Research by Becky Foster Barnhardt, head of history and genealogy at Mathews Memorial Library, has determined that the fortifications at Fort Nonsense, a historical site at the intersection of Routes 14 and 3 in Mathews, were built by Confederate forces during the Civil War.

The discovery calls into question long-held speculation that the structures could possibly have been constructed on a Revolutionary War site.

Barnhardt recently briefed members of the Mathews County Historical Society board of directors on her findings. Barnhardt reported that she found records showing that the fortifications were built by members of the 61st Regiment Virginia Militia, also called Matthews Battalion, between December 1861 and March 1862. The records were contained in "Fold3," a digital resource providing access to U.S. military records as well as stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.

Among the men identified as working on the fortification, said the releas...