Fort Wead was built in June 1864 by members of the 1st New York Engineers, assisted by various infantry units of the Army of the James, and was named for Col. Frederick M. Wead of the 98th New York Infantry, who was killed at the Battle of Cold Harbor. A rare preserved Union fort in Chesterfield County, it was unusual because it did not face the Confederate line; instead, its guns were positioned to fire behind Union lines, generally northward, in the event of a Confederate breakthrough on the main line. The redoubt was manned by a detachment of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, and its gun platforms were designed so field artillery of all makes and calibers could be rolled into place to help stop any breach of the main Union line. Outside the fort ditch were rows of abatis, or fallen treetops, that served as obstructions to attacking troops. Fort Wead was never attacked.