The wooden palisade was constructed by the Mexican Army in 1835, connecting the southwest corner of the Church and the eastern corner of the Low Barrack. It was an important fortification added to the Alamo in an area not protected by stone or adobe walls. Palisades constructed during this period consisted of either a single row of wooden posts set in the ground or two rows of posts set in the ground with packed earth in between for added strength. During the Siege and Battle of the Alamo, the palisade offered cover from approaching Mexican troops while being short enough for marksmen to return fire over the top. A bronze 4-pounder cannon could also be fired through a small opening in the palisade. Susanna Dickinson and John Sutherland both identified David Crockett as present at the palisade during the battle. Mexican General Juan Jose Andrade tore down the palisade in May 1836.