The open space in the fort wall was the gate, indicated by the mold of a massive anchoring post found by archaeologists. Beside the gate stood a two-story blockhouse that afforded a view of the surrounding countryside and served as a safe haven for the soldiers. Militiaman John Cuppy described it as about 20 feet square, directly to the right of the gate and forming part of the outside, with its upper section about six feet above the ground made a foot wider on the wall side so the garrison could shoot directly down upon enemies below, and with a rude roof slanting within the fort.