Fort Wadsworth (3)

 (1864-1865) - A Union U.S. Civil War Fort established in 1864 near Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Named Fort Wadsworth after Union General James S. Wadsworth, who was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness on 6 May 1864. Abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

History of Fort Wadsworth
Fort Wadsworth was established on 18 Aug 1864 immediately after the Union capture of the Weldon Railroad south of Petersburg. The Weldon Railroad was a major supply line from the south into Petersburg. It was captured and destroyed by Union forces during the Battle of the Weldon Railroad on 18 Aug 1864.

Fort Wadsworth was built to prevent the reestablishment of the rail line and as a temporary anchor for the west side of the Union seige line. The fort was built as a rectangle with four large bastions protruding from the corners. Each bastion could mount up to three cannon and the fort could be defended from attack in any direction.

Current Status
Part of the Petersburg National Battlefield. Markers, interpretive panels and a monument to Hagood’s Brigade along with the earthworks remains of the fort. The earthworks outline is clearly visible. The adjacent Halifax Road follows the original roadbed of the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad tracks.

See Also:
 * Civil War Defenses of Richmond and Petersburg

Sources:

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Wadsworth
 * Historical Marker Database - Fort Wadsworth
 * Historical Marker Database - Hagood’s Brigade Monument
 * The Siege of Petersburg Online