Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 03/20/1996
NRHP Listing Date 08/26/1999
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 99001004
Cannon Branch Fort, also known as the Wakeman Site, includes the archaeological remains of a Civil War-era fortification for which there is no documentation in the historic record. The most likely hypothesis is that the fort was constructed by Union forces late in the war (1863-64) in order to defend Northern supply lines along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in Manassas. During this period, Confederate forces under Col. John Singleton Mosby were constantly raiding these lines. The earthwork, now on a wooded knoll above Cannon Branch, is one of only two remaining fortifications within the present-day limits of Manassas (the Mayfield Fortification being the other). Thorough archaeological investigation of the Cannon Branch Fort is likely to provide more definitive information on the enigmatic site. Cannon Branch is listed in the registers under the Civil War Properties, Prince William County Multiple Property Documentation form.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: February 13, 2023
