Lower Redoubt
The Lower Redoubt's Fatal Flaw
Union authorities knew that a large supply depot made a tempting target for Confederate attack. The army engineers designed the Lower Redoubt to protect Johnsonville from an infantry attack. For that reason, they ignored the topography of the west bank of the river in their plans.
It was a fatal flaw. The Lower Redoubt's gunners could not lower the muzzles of their cannon far enough to hit targets on or near the levee opposite the fort. In November 1864, Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's chief of artillery recognized this flaw in the depot's defenses and took advantage of it.
Redoubt: An enclosed fortification designed to contribute to the overall defense of a larger site or line.
(captions)
This 1865 map shows the Upper and Lower Redoubts or fortifications. The Upper. Redoubt
was built after the Battle of Johnsonville.
A soldier in a poncho stands atop the Lower Redoubt in this 1864 photograph. A row of
artillery stands outside of the fortification.
this page online
Erected by Tennessee State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil.
Location. 36° 3.703′ N, 87° 58.012′ W. Marker is in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, in Humphreys County. Marker can be reached from Museum Road, 0.1 miles south of Old Johnsonville Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in Johnsonville State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Johnsonville TN 37134, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Winfrey Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); The Tennessee River in the Civil War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Union Supply Depot (about 400 feet away); The Final Tally (about 500 feet away); Forrest Shells the Depot (about 500 feet away); Forrest's Opening Move (about 500 feet away); Artillery at Johnsonville (about 500 feet away); The Horse Corral (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Johnsonville.
Also see . . . Johnsonville State Historic Park. (Submitted on July 15, 2021.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 14, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
