Outer Redoubt of Fort Clinton

In 1776, fearing a possible assault by land, the Americans constructed the outer redoubt on a high piece of ground to protect this strategic location. It commanded the main fortifications at Fort Clinton and the surrounding terrain from which an enemy assault might be made. On October 6th, 1777, the British stormed and captured the undermanned garrisons of Forts Clinton and Montgomery. Although the redoubt was built to hold 350 men, only 99 were available to defend it when attacked, and it was one of the last positions to fall. The fortification reflected American Revolution field construction methods: soil was removed from in front and behind the line and thrown up to create the parapet, leaving a ditch in front and providing interior protection for defenders reloading muskets, while a banquette served as a firing platform and the parapet was held in place by low stone and timber walls. Its shape took advantage of the existing ground while providing suitable areas for cannon and musket fire, and its ravelin permitted cannon fire into the deep ravine in front of Fort Clinton.

Highlands, New York · United States