Fort Lee in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Musketry Breastwork
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
1. Musketry Breastwork Marker
This defensive breastwork was built on the western edge of the bluff and guarded the road from Burdettes Ferry to the west (to the Bastion). The parapets of timber filled with soil were built upon a stone base and were sufficient height to afford an adequate field of fire against assaulting troops. The banquette, (step) on the inside permitted the defenders to fire over the wall, and yet by stepping to the back were able to reload in safety. Fraise and abatis provided additional defense to this breastwork.
Trous-de-Loup, Chevaux-de-Fris & Gabions
The trous-de-loup (wolf holes) was a snaring device consisting of six-foot deep holes dug into the fortifications approach field. Shaped like inverted cones, each hole had a protruding, pointed stake at the bottom to impale the unfortunate, man or horse, stepping into the camouflaged pit. Mostly used against cavalry charges, this device was the forerunner of the modern booby trap.
Pickets, or upright poles were often used on outside wall
Erected by Fort Lee Historic Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 40° 50.929′ N, 73°
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Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Abatis Construction at Fort Lee (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldier Hut (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barbette Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Military Magazine (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historical Chronology 1776 (about 500 feet away); The American Crisis (about 500 feet away); Cannons (about 500 feet away); Mortar Battery (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Lee.
More about this marker. The marker contains illustrations of various parts of the breastwork, including a cross section of the fortification, a trous-de-loup and a gabion.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This series of markers follows the walking tour of Fort Lee Historic Park.
Also see . . . Battle of Fort Washington. American Revolutionary War website entry (Submitted on August 30, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
2. Marker at Fort Lee Historic Park
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
3. Fort Lee Fortifications
The earthworks are located along the western boundary of Fort Lee Historic Park.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
4. Fortifications at Fort Lee Historic Park
These fortifications faced west, away from the river. They protected the batteries from a overland attack.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,138 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.
