How Fort Buhlow was built
There are no detailed descriptions or illustrations of how Fort Buhlow was built. However, through military reports and other historical records it is known that Fort Buhlow was a circular earthwork fort with an outer ditch around it. It was approximately 30 feet tall and 200 feet in diameter.
The first construction step was the ditch. The ditch provided dirt for the fort's walls. These ditches were usually 8 to 12 feet wide and 4 to 6 feet deep. The dug up dirt was thrown into a pile called a parapet that was kept in place by a wall called a revetment. The revetment was made of materials such as logs, planks and woven twigs. The revetment was then covered with layers of grass.
Firing steps and gun platforms were added. Fort Buhlow had four to five cannons. A wooden palisade may have protected the entrance of the fort. In addition, a central magazine (a structure used to store ammunition), and a bombproof (a partially underground structure built to protect soldiers against enemy fire), was built.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil.
Location. 31° 19.658′ N, 92° 26.943′ W. Marker is in Pineville, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker can be reached from Riverfront Street, one
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Why Was Fort Buhlow Built? (a few steps from this marker); Who was stationed at Fort Buhlow? (a few steps from this marker); Deserting soldiers and the end of the war (within shouting distance of this marker); Who was Fort Buhlow named after? (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fort Buhlow (within shouting distance of this marker); Desertion and the end of the War (approx. 0.2 miles away); How was Fort Randolph Built? (approx. ¼ mile away); Why was Fort Randolph Built? (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
More about this marker. Located in the Fort Randolph/Buhlow State Historic Park. Entrance fee is required. Free to Veterans. Both sites are walking trails/boardwalks. Large nice museum/information center.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 29, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
