Confederate Fortifications
These northernmost fortifications along Brook Road operated as an early warning system for Confederate troops defending Richmond. Earthworks designed for artillery, located on each side of the road, blocked sudden enemy advances against the capital. A shallow trench line protecting infantrymen with rifles connected them. If necessary, both soldiers and cannons at this forward position could be withdrawn to the Intermediate Line. The walls, or parapets, of this battery position were originally 8-10 feet high and at least 15 feet thick at the top. The inner face of the wall was supported by pots and heavy logs. The earthworks were constructed in 1862 largely by a black labor force, and were occupied intermittently by Confederate troops until the end of the conflict in 1865.
Marker can be reached from Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles west of Brook Road (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
