West Point in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Western Redoubts 1, 2, 3 and 4
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
1. Western Redoubts 1, 2, 3 and 4 Marker
In July 1779, General Washington ordered the fortification of hills to the south and west of Fort Putnam because they dominated Fort Putnam and made it vulnerable to attack. Redoubt 1 with two batteries (hill south of Michie Stadium) guarded the main approach to West Point along the river; Redoubt 2 with one battery (hill southwest of Michie Stadium) protected inland approaches; Redoubt 3 with one battery (west of Redoubt 4) was built to protect western approaches to West Point; and Redoubt 4 with one battery (highest hill, center west) was the most critical to Fort Putnam’s defense. Partially restored in 1974, Redoubt 4 can be seen on the hilltop to the west and can be reached from Fort Putnam by a small trail. The western redoubts added considerable strength and depth to the American position.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1779.
Location. 41° 23.4′ N, 73° 57.858′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McLean Historical Museum Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bronze Field Guns (within shouting distance of this marker); Archeology, 1974 (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Embrasure (within shouting distance of this marker); Casemates (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery and Mortars (within shouting distance of this marker); Sherburne’s Redoubt (within shouting distance of this marker); Cannon (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
2. Marker Inside Fort Putnam
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
3. Marker and Fort Putnam Artillery
Marker can be seen on the top of the wall next to the cannon.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
4. Cannon Near the Marker
This cannon in Fort Putnam faces west, towards Redoubt 4.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 8, 2012
5. Western Redoubt 4
The site of Redoubt 4 is seen here on the high point in the center of the photo.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 15, 2012
6. Inside Redoubt 4
Redoubt 4 protected West Point fortifications from a land attack. The flagpole of Fort Putnam can be seen in the upper right of the photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on June 17, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
