New Civil War Marker Installed in Mason District Park

Visitors to may notice a new addition to the park not far from the picnic tables near the baseball field. Last Wednesday, a new Civil War marker was installed as part of the Civil War 150th Legacy Project.

The marker, called Mason’s Hill, represents a strategic location used by Confederate Col. J.E.B. Stuart following the First Battle of Manassas. According to the summary graphic, at Mason’s Hill, Col. Edward P. Alexander built a signal observation tower with a six foot "astronomical glass" to observe Washington.

Mason’s Hill isn’t the only new marker in the Annandale area. Ravensworth, a marker located in the Ravensworth Shopping Center in Springfield, was also installed last week. Markers have also been installed in Clifton, Centreville, Vienna, McLean and Great Falls. By late summer or early fall, markers will also be installed in Rose Hill near Alexandria and in Lorton.

The goal of the Legacy Project is to place markers in every supervisory district throughout the county. The Fairfax County History Commission and the Fairfax County Sesquicentennial Committee manage the project, but the markers are the result of a countywide effort between several agencies such as the Fairfax County Park Authority and members of the communities where the markers are installed. The project is financially supported by the Board of Supervisors.

“Our intent was to show that no matter where you go in Fairfax County, Civil War history is always nearby,” said Patrick Lennon, destination marketing manager for Visit Fairfax.

Each marker should last at least 100 years after its installation. The graphic inside the markers is replaced every 5-7 years in case since it might lose color or other problems.

In addition to the markers above, Lennon said five more markers are planned for installation by July 2013.

The date for the dedication ceremony for Mason’s Hill will be announced at a later date.

To learn more about the markers, Civil War related events in the county, dates and other history, visit www.fairfaxcivilwar.com.

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