Fort Branch

Located on Rainbow Bluff and overlooking the Roanoke River, Fort Branch protected Roanoke River Valley farms and the Weldon Railroad bridge (which was critical to the Army of Northern Virginia for receiving supplies) from destruction by Federal gunboats. Fort Branch also protected the construction site of the CSS Albemarle at Edward's Ferry, a key in the Confederacy's effort in regaining control of the Atlantic coast. The fort features seven of the eleven original cannons on site and well-preserved earthworks.