The central redoubt at Fort Mill Ridge consists of a square earthen platform or rampart and earthen walls, or parapets, with cuts in the parapets called embrasures that provided openings for cannon fire; remains of these embrasures are still visible on the southern and western parapets. Military earthworks were built to predetermined design standards adjusted to field conditions, and as the war continued those standards were refined through experience as the value of defensive works and entrenchments was proven. The interiors of the parapet walls were probably lined with vertical logs, the cannons were placed on wooden gun platforms laid on the earth, and sod was laid on the parapets to help prevent erosion. Although the upper portions of the parapets have eroded away, the central redoubt remains remarkably well preserved, aided by woodlands that have grown up since the 1860s and help protect the earthworks from erosion. In April 1863, Joshua Winters recorded being on guard three miles from camp on the Green Springs Road, coming off guard the next day, drilling in the manual of arms in the street, and serving on fatigue duty on the mountain.

Photo: Craig Swain

Photo: Craig Swain

Romney, West Virginia · USA