To Build a Redoubt
The earthworks today appear to be giant molehills. But it took complex engineering to construct them. A deep ditch was excavated in front, to slow an attacking enemy. The dirt was heaped into gabions - baskets of interwoven branches. Bundles of branches called fascines were piled outside and inside the wall to protect the defenders, then the entire work was usually covered with sod to absorb cannon fire.
Here at redoubt 3, the inside walls were faced with stakes. Sod was scarce in the mud-churned encampment. Though partially reconstructed, Redoubt 3 is built on remnants of the original site. Please do not climb on the earthworks.
Defending the Gap
The valley between Outer and Inner Line defenses left the Americans vulnerable to attacks from the south. Redoubt 3 was built to secure this Achilles heel.
Directly across the valley is the Outer Line, supported by Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvania Brigades. Their huts were plainly visible in the treeless encampment. In the event of attack, troops in Redoubt 3 could have raked the gap with cross-fire.
Marker is on E Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
