Fort Wead was constructed in June of 1864 and named after Col. Frederick Wead of the 98th New York who was killed in action at Cold Harbor. The fort was built in the rear of the main Union defensive line to prevent Confederate forces from advancing in the event the main lines were captured. The site never saw any action.
Sgt. Engle Park is named after Sgt. James E. Engle, of Company I, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteers. During a skirmish on May 18, 1864, Engle volunteered to carry ammunition from this area to soldiers at the front. He remained there, distributing ammunition under constant fire, for the rest of the day. Members of his regiment recommended him for the Congressional Medal of Honor, which he was awarded in 1896.
These sites are located adjacent to one another. Today visitors can walk the sites and view the remnants of earthworks and a collapsed magazine.
