During the Civil War, a line of trenches and

fortified artillery positions extending past

here were built late in 1863 to defend Lynchburg against attack from the north. Brig.

Gen. Francis T. Nicholls was responsible for

ensuring that the local militia, invalids, and

convalescents properly manned the fortifications. On 12 June 1864, Nicholls ordered the

local militia and invalids into these lines to

repel a possible advance by Federal cavalry

commanded by Brig. Gen. Alfred Duffle, but

the Federals altered their course to Lexington.

Soon after, the Confederates moved into

defense works south of the city to face Maj. Gen.

David Hunter’s assault on 17-18 June 1864.

Marker is on Colony Road (Virginia Route 210) near South Amherst Highway (Virginia Route 163), on the left when traveling east.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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