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Confederate Breastworks
 
Confederate Breastworks
Fort Edward Johnson, now also known as Confederate Breastworks, was instrumental in defending the town of Staunton during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862. In early spring of 1862, this fort was garrisoned by 3,000 troops, primarily from the 12th Georgia Regiment. Many of these troops were stationed four miles to the east at Camp Shenandoah.
In the late winter of 1862, the people of the Shenandoah Valley were growing anxious. The Civil War was well into its second year and there was a threat of a major Yankee invasion near Staunton. With the approach of spring, one large Union army under General Nataniel Banks was moving south from Winchester, while John C. Fremont's armies closed in from the west of Staunton.
To resist this major invasion, Stonewall Jackson's Confederate Army moved to block General Bank's approach. To the west a small Confederate Army under veteran General Edward "Allegheny" Johnson opposed the Union forces under General Fremont.
After spending a miserable winter at Camp Allegheny in the high mountains on the Virginia and West Virginia border, Johnson moved his army to the top of Shenandoah Mountain on April 5, 1862, and began construction of Fort Edward Johnson. This brought his army closer to their base of supplies and put him in position to defend the strategic Parkersburg Turnpike and Shenandoah Mountain, 25 miles west of Staunton.
Construction of Fort
As construction of the fort began, approximately 3,000 troops were available for duty, while others were sick from disease and cold. The top of the mountain was occupied by the 44th, 52nd, and 58th Virginia Regiments, while the 31st Virginia and 12th Georgia Regiments camped four miles below the mountain near Ramsey's Draft at Camp Shenandoah. The soldiers built the fort in earnest as the Union Army moved closer. Over one mile of trench or "breastworks" were dug in the rocky, frozen ground. Trees were felled to provide an open view for rifle fire, and cannons were pulled to the top of the mountain. Men camped on top of the mountain found the ground too steep and rocky to find comfort.
"I hope our regiment will follow Jackson, as it is better to be marching around then to be seated on top of Shenandoah. You have to sleep on the side of the mountain so steep that you have to stick your spurs in the ground to keep from sliding down." Major Ross, 52nd, VA
Fort Johnson Abandoned
By the end of April, General Johnson was worried. Jackson had been defeated near Winchester and had left the valley. When Johnson left the fort to confer with Jackson, a panicked officer gave the order to abandon and destroy the fort. Johnson's army, now camped near Staunton, faced two approaching armies without defenses.
On May 4th, Jackson's army arrived in Staunton in a secret and lightning move to assist Johnson. They met the surprised Union Army on May 8, 1862, and engaged in the Battle of McDowell. Here, General Jackson forced the Union Army into retreat and kept the Valley free of Union threat for a time.
Interpretive Trail
Enjoy this winding 0.5 mile interpretive trail along the top of Shenandoah Mountain. Relive the events of April 1862 through the eyes of Lieutenant Sheperd Pryor, a member of the 12th Georgia Regiment. Learn how these soldiers built breastworks, tried to keep warm as sleet drenched their fires, felt the excitement of a false alarm, and longed for their homes far away. Please help to protect this historic landmark by staying on the trail and out of the trenches.
How do I get there?
Off of I-81, take exit 225. Travel west on State Route 275 for 5 miles. Turn right onto U. S. 250 and drive for 22 miles to the Confederate Breastworks Trailhead located on top of Shenandoah Mountain.
Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Trail Brochure
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