Confederate Fortifications

These northernmost fortifications along Brook Road operated as an early warning system for Confederate troops defending Richmond. Earthworks designed for artillery, located on each side of the road, blocked sudden enemy advances against the capital. A shallow trench line protecting ...

The Confederate Fortifications

The Breakthrough Trail

The earthen wall in front of you is a part of the main Confederate defense line begun in 1864 and defended until April 2, 1865. You are standing behind the line facing southeast towards the Union positions about ...

Confederate Fortifications

The diary of Edward R. Crockett, 4th Texas Infantry, illustrates the daily pressure of life in these trenches:

June 4th

“We work hard last night & dawn on the 4th have a heavy work completed. We have quit sleeping almost ...