Civil War Tour - Tour of Alexandria Civil War Logistics, Defensive and Railroad Sites October 4, 2008

This tour features Civil War sites in Alexandria and its immediate vicinity. After an orientation of Civil War Alexandria at the GW Masonic Temple, the tour will proceed toward the water front. Along the way, the location of a large Union Army stable, the terminuses for the three rail roads serving the city, and the location and alignment of the Alexandria Canal will be pointed out and discussed. The waterfront was a major area of Union activity for logistical support and improvements to increase army logistics will be shown. Stops are also planned for the United States Military Rail Road complex and the National Cemetery to visit grave sites of soldiers killed in an explosion at Fort Lyons, people killed while on a mission to find John Wilkes Booth, and local civilians connected to the railroad. Several pre-Civil War structures are included in the tour including an existing tunnel and bridge, and artifacts of three Union forts (one untouched, one destroyed, and one re-created), Union encampments, and mill sites west of the city. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum hosts the tour and all proceeds go to the non-profit museum.

Tour will be led by Ron Beavers. There is a moderate amount of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat. Van transportation. Rain or shine.

* Tour will begin at 8:30 AM in Alexandria - not at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
* Make checks payable to Friends of Fairfax Station and mail to:
P.O. Box 7, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.
* Lunch is at a local restaurant at extra cost.
* Call Joyce Hill for reservations and meeting site: 703-250-7109.

Official Website: http://www.fairfaxstation.org/tours.html