Redoubt 5

During the period when Constitution Island supplemented the major West Point fortifications, the Continental Army sought to protect the Great Chain and river batteries from land attack. Placed on the highest ground of the then treeless island, three redoubts commanded the land approaches. Typical of several redoubts in the West Point defenses, Redoubt 5 was built with many sides and angles to conform to the terrain. On top of these stone ramparts were earthen parapets, held in place by timber or fascines. The redoubt probably never contained cannon, and intended for its defense were approximately 150 infantrymen.

Philipstown, New York · United States