Redoubt Four (West Point)

Redoubt Four
Part of United States Military Academy
West Point, New York

View of the Hudson River and West Point from Redoubt Four
Coordinates 41°23′24.27″N 73°58′21.9″W / 41.3900750°N 73.972750°W / 41.3900750; -73.972750
Site information
Owner United States Army
Controlled by US Army
Open to
the public		 Year Round
Condition partially restored
Site history
Built 1778
Built by Tadeusz Kosciuszko
Battles/wars Revolutionary War
Garrison information
Garrison West Point

Redoubt Four was a supporting defensive position of Fort Putnam during the Revolutionary War defensive network at West Point. It was constructed under the command of Tadeusz Kosciuszko in 1778-1779. During the war, it was a key defensive overwatch position for Fort Putnam 300 feet below, which was in turn the key overwatch position for Fort Clinton.[1] According to Benedict Arnold, the fort required approximately 100 soldiers to man it. The redoubt was partially restored in 1975-1976 as part of the bicentennial celebration. It can be accessed by foot year round from Patrick Trail (road) approximately .5 miles from the West Point Post Exchange complex.

Construction

"The possession of the Hill appears to me essential to the preservation of the whole post and our main effort ought to be directed to keeping the enemy off of it...", George Washington wrote in July 1779, vindicating Tadeusz Kościuszko's decision to place a redoubt on Rocky Hill.[2]:81

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Redoubt Four". University of North Carolina. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
  2. ↑ Storozynski, A., 2009, The Peasant Prince, New York: St. Martin's Press, ISBN 9780312388027
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