In 1780–81, the British built a series of small forts, or redoubts, as an outer line of defense for their headquarters at Camden. These positions were well fortified with troops and artillery, making Camden relatively impenetrable to attacks by Colonial forces. The two western redoubts on Campbell Street protected Camden's important western flank from the Wateree River, and this large redoubt spanned the intersection of Bull and Campbell Streets. The British destroyed it when they evacuated in 1781.