Fort Nonsense, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Nonsense, Virginia
|
|
|---|---|
|
historical park
|
|
.jpg)
Entrance to Fort Nonsense Historical Park
|
|
 Fort Nonsense, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Fort Nonsense, Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Mathews |
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 804 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1499440 |
Fort Nonsense is a special historical park located in Mathews County, Virginia, United States. It's a place where you can learn about a part of the Civil War history. The park is found where Virginia Route 3 and Virginia Route 14 meet. This spot is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) northeast of Gloucester.
Contents
What is Fort Nonsense?
Fort Nonsense is a historical park with trails and signs. These signs help visitors understand its past. The park has traces of old earthworks. These are walls or mounds made of earth. They were built for defense.
Why Was It Built?
During the American Civil War, Confederate soldiers built this fort. They used the labor of enslaved people to construct it. The fort was meant to protect Richmond. Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy. The Confederates feared that Union forces might attack by landing from ships.
The Story Behind the Name
Historical markers at the site explain the fort's purpose. However, Union troops already controlled Gloucester, Virginia. Gloucester was located northwest of the fort. This meant Union forces were between Richmond and the fort. They were the only ones who could threaten the fort's area.
Since Union troops could attack the fort from behind, and its defenses faced the wrong way, locals started calling it "Fort Nonsense." The fort wasn't very useful for its intended purpose.
Who Manages the Park Today?
Today, several groups work together to care for Fort Nonsense. The local historical society helps preserve its history. The county government also shares responsibility. Finally, the state's department of transportation helps maintain the park.
