This pentagon-shaped earthwork was constructed by Confederate forces in 1861-62. Taking its name from the family living here, it became the right anchor of MG John B. Magruder's line of defense across the Peninsula from Yorktown. The fort was abandoned without combat in May 1862 when the CSA withdrew to Richmond at the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign. A fine example of its type, it was designated a National Historic Place in 1974.