General Sheridan got a description of local topography from local residents, just before the Battle of Five Forks in 1865
Source: Smithsonian Institution, Before Five Forks / Sheridan at Dinwiddie Court House
by 1820, three roads had created an intersection known as Five Forks in Dinwiddie County
Source: Library of Virginia, A correct map of Dinwiddie County (by Isham E. Hargrave, 1820)