Abatis Construction at Fort Lee

Fortifications were protected by obstacles such as an abatis and other major hindrances to assaulting troops. Easily placed before a parapet or breastwork wherever trees were plentiful, an abatis supplemented defensive rampart walls or barricades. Derived from a French word meaning a heap of material thrown together, it was built from piles of trees or large branches sharpened to a point and turned toward the enemy’s approach, then entangled to form an impassable barrier for cavalry and infantry. At Fort Lee, maps show that an abatis was placed to provide protection from assault from the northwest exposure. The use of an abatis, either alone or together with other entanglements, led to an extensive tree-chopping program to supply logs for these obstructions and for battery emplacements, as well as timber for huts and firewood for cooking and heating.

Fort Lee, New Jersey · United States