Redoubt Four (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.

Redoubt Four
Part of United States Military Academy
West Point, New York
View of the Hudson River and West Point from Redoubt Four
Historical Marker
Coordinates41°23′24.27″N 73°58′21.9″W
Site information
OwnerUnited States Army
Controlled byUS Army
Open to
the public		Year Round
Conditionpartially restored
Site history
Built1778
Built byTadeusz Kosciuszko
Battles/warsRevolutionary War
Garrison information
GarrisonWest Point

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 

  • Redoubt Four commands the heights over West Point
    Redoubt Four commands the heights over West Point
  • Redoubt Four marker
    Redoubt Four marker
  • Fort Putnam viewed from Redoubt Four. The Cadet Chapel and Taylor Hall towers and Hudson River beyond the fort are actually hundreds of yards beyond
    Fort Putnam viewed from Redoubt Four. The Cadet Chapel and Taylor Hall towers and Hudson River beyond the fort are actually hundreds of yards beyond
  • The partially restored eastern wall
    The partially restored eastern wall
  • Map of West Point Fortifications
    Map of West Point Fortifications

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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