Fort Edward Johnson, Confederate breastworks in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Virginia, US

Fort Edward Johnson is a Civil War fortification sitting on the ridge of Shenandoah Mountain, made of earthwork breastworks and cleared forest ground. The site stretches across elevated terrain and forms a defensive line that once monitored the critical mountain passages below.

The fortifications were built hastily in spring 1862 to shield a key road from Union army advances. The position changed hands multiple times between Confederate and Union forces without any actual combat taking place.

The fort's name honors Colonel Edward "Alleghany" Johnson, who was promoted to general after the Battle of Camp Allegheny. The Army of the Northwest, about four thousand men, built the breastworks in two weeks starting April 5, 1862, and felled trees on the western approaches. A 0.5-mile walkway from the parking area passes through the surviving earthworks.

A walking trail leads visitors directly to the preserved earthworks and offers views across the surrounding landscape. Access is straightforward from a marked parking area with orientation signs to help guide exploration of the grounds.

The site played an unusual role in the war's story because it repeatedly changed hands without seeing combat. This makes it remarkable for a location that was considered strategically critical for military control.