Military
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Fort Putnam was designed to protect other fortifications at West Point from overland attack rather than fire on enemy ships sailing up the Hudson River, making it a key part of West Point’s defensive zone. Situated on Crown Hill 500 feet above sea level, it had a commanding view of the West Point Plain, where Fort Arnold and its batteries and Sherburne’s Redoubt were located. Forts Webb, Wyllys, and Meigs were also under Fort Putnam’s protection. During the Revolutionary War, no trees obstructed views to these other fortifications. More than 420 soldiers, excluding artillerymen, were needed to man Fort Putnam.
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West Point, New York · United States
