Fort Johnston, Civil War earthen fort on Catoctin Mountain, Leesburg, United States
Fort Johnston is a four-point star-shaped earthen fortification sitting atop Catoctin Mountain west of Leesburg, Virginia. Each of the four arms extends outward from the center, with the entire structure positioned at about 670 feet (204 meters) elevation to command views of the surrounding landscape.
The fort was built in the winter of 1861-1862 immediately following the Battle of Ball's Bluff. It served as one of three defensive positions protecting Leesburg and changed hands when Union forces captured it and gave it a new name.
The fort reflects how both sides of the conflict used this location to control the surrounding area. You can see how its position and design reveal the military thinking of that time.
The site sits on private land and is not open to the public without permission. You need to contact the current property owners beforehand to arrange access and obtain approval before visiting.
The fort carries the history of both armies through its name changes during the war. What began as one name for the Confederates became another under Union command, reflecting the shifting control of the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
