West Point in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Putnam
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
1. Fort Putnam Marker
Fort Putnam was designed to protect other fortifications at West Point from overland attack . . . not to fire on enemy ships sailing up the Hudson River; thus, it was a key fortification in West Point’s defensive zone. Situated on Crown Hill, 500 feet above sea-level, Fort Putnam had a commanding view of the West Point Plain where Fort Arnold and its batteries (center) and Sherburne’s Redoubt (left) were located. Forts Webb, Wyllys and Meigs (below right on the hill beyond Lusk Reservoir) were also under Fort Putnam’s protection. No trees obstructed views to these other fortifications during the Revolutionary War. Over 420 soldiers, excluding artillerymen, were needed to man Fort Putnam.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 41° 23.398′ N, 73° 57.817′ W. Marker is in West Point, New York, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Delafield Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located inside of Fort Putnam on the grounds of the United States Military Academy.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
2. Marker inside Fort Putnam
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cannon (here, next to this marker); Fort Arnold (here, next to this marker); Sherburne’s Redoubt (here, next to this marker); Casemates (a few steps from this marker); Artillery and Mortars (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Fort Putnam (a few steps from this marker); North and South Redoubts (a few steps from this marker); Archeology, 1974 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Point.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
3. Entrance to Fort Putnam
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
4. Fort Putnam Artillery
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
5. Inside Fort Putnam
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
6. View from Fort Putnam
The Hudson River and the West Point Plain are visible in this photo taken from Fort Putnam. The West Point Chapel can also be seen in the center.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
