Fort Edward Johnson

Military breastworks and cleared forest areas stand along the crest of Shenandoah Mountain, forming a strategic defensive position at 38 degrees north latitude.

Confederate Colonel Edward Johnson directed 4,000 soldiers to construct these fortifications in April 1862 to protect the Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike from Union forces.

The fort represents Confederate military engineering methods with earthwork defenses that controlled mountain passage routes in western Virginia during the American Civil War.

Visitors can explore the Confederate breastworks through a half-mile interpretive walkway that starts from the parking area near U.S Route 250.

The fort changed hands multiple times without combat, as both Confederate and Union forces occupied and abandoned the position during the spring of 1862.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 38.31500,-79.38670

Latest update: March 13, 2025 02:19