Freestone Point Confederate Battery

Freestone Point Confederate Battery is a Civil War artillery site in Prince William County, Virginia, situated about 90 feet above the Potomac River. Four rectangular depressions with raised earthen berms mark where guns were positioned to face the water.

The Confederates built this battery in 1861 to block the Potomac River and watch for Union ships. It operated from October 1861 until March 1862, when the position was abandoned.

The site's 1989 National Register listing reflects how people today recognize its importance as a Civil War military installation. You can see how the gun positions were arranged to control river traffic and understand the tactical thinking behind their placement.

The site is located within Leesylvania State Park and is easily accessible from U.S. Route 1 near Woodbridge. The gun emplacements and surrounding trails are open to visitors who want to walk the area.

Three of the four gun positions are still visible in their original cliff-side arrangement, showing how gunners had clear sightlines across the water. This layout reveals the careful planning that went into selecting this defensive location.

Location: Prince William County

GPS coordinates: 38.59278,-77.24917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40