Fort Early

Named for Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early, this roughly square earthen redoubt formed part of Lynchburg’s outer line of defense in June 1864. Fort Early and the outer fortifications were built to provide additional protection for Lynchburg’s vital railroad facilities after Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter’s troops threatened them and Early arrived on 17 June. On 18 June, Hunter advanced his troops toward Confederate positions while Union artillery bombarded Fort Early and other Confederate fortifications. After a number of unsuccessful assaults during the day, Hunter ordered a retreat that night, and his troops withdrew to the southwest toward present-day Roanoke.

Lynchburg, Virginia · United States