Fort Reynolds, Civil War redoubt in Fairlington, Arlington County, United States
Fort Reynolds is a Civil War redoubt in Arlington County featuring earthwork fortifications and gun positions spread across roughly 360 feet. The defensive structure sits within modern residential neighborhoods and remains only partially visible today.
The fort was built in September 1861 as part of the defensive system protecting Washington during the Civil War. It was later renamed to honor a high-ranking general who died in a major battle years afterward.
The site honors Major General John F. Reynolds, a senior officer who fell during the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors today can see markers that recall his importance to the Union cause.
You can find the historical marker on South 31st Street in Shirlington, east of South Woodrow Street. The site is accessible on foot, though the remains are partly hidden by residential buildings.
The garrison was equipped with several types of guns, including heavier 32-pounder cannons and lighter field artillery pieces. This mix of weapons shows how important defending this section was for protecting the capital.
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