West Point in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sherburne’s Redoubt
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
1. Sherburne’s Redoubt Marker
Inscription.
Sherburne’s Redoubt. . In 1778, Colonel Henry Sherburne’s Regiment built a redoubt (a small enclosed work used to fortify hilltops, passes, etc.) in this general vicinity to cover the rear of Fort Clinton - - the main fortification covering the Great Chain and the river approach. The redoubt also covered the western approaches to the West Point Plain, and protected the northern approaches to Fort Putnam - - the key defensive work against an overland attack. Remnants of Fort Clinton’s parapets are visible on the eastern tip of the West Point Plain (to your right rear), and the restored Fort Putnam is visible on the hill to the southwest., Sherburne’s Redoubt had to be constructed so that artillery fire from Fort Putnam could not fall into it. Originally, the Great Chain was to be anchored below the redoubt. Little is known about the redoubt’s construction. No traces exist today.
In 1778, Colonel Henry Sherburne’s Regiment built a redoubt (a small enclosed work used to fortify hilltops, passes, etc.) in this general vicinity to cover the rear of Fort Clinton - - the main fortification covering the Great Chain and the river approach. The redoubt also covered the western approaches to the West Point Plain, and protected the northern approaches to Fort Putnam - - the key defensive work against an overland attack. Remnants of Fort Clinton’s parapets are visible on the eastern tip of the West Point Plain (to your right rear), and the restored Fort Putnam is visible on the hill to the southwest.
Sherburne’s Redoubt had to be constructed so that artillery fire from Fort Putnam could not fall into it. Originally, the Great Chain was to be anchored below the redoubt. Little is known about the redoubt’s construction. No traces exist today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1778.
Location. 41° 23.754′ N, 73° 57.347′ W. Marker is in West Point, New York, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Washington Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at Trophy Point at the U.S. Military Academy. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Point NY 10996, United States of America. Touch for directions.
During the Revolutionary War, the Great Chain spanned the Hudson Rives at this location. The river can be seen in front of the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 5, 2009
4. Battery Sherburne
Sherburne's Redoubt occupied this site during the Revolution. This is a short distance west of the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 5, 2009
5. Fort Clinton
Fort Clinton is located about .2 miles east of the marker. Sherburne’s Redoubt was built to protect the rear of Fort Clinton.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
6. Fort Putman
Sherburne’s Redoubt protected Fort Putman, seen above, from a land attack from the north. Fort Putnam is located about a ½ mile southwest of the marker.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 27, 2023
7. Sherburne’s Redoubt Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,111 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on June 9, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on September 7, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on September 6, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on June 9, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 7. submitted on February 23, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.