Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Technical History
What is a redoubt?
Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012
1. Technical History Marker
A redoubt is a small temporary fortification of entrenched earth and wood. These battlefield strong points were designed to provide cover for defending infantry and artillery as well as slow down an attacking force. Several construction elements make up a redoubt. During the American Revolution both the British and Continental forces used John Muller’s 1746 Elements of Fortification, which was a hybrid of the current theories of entrenchments put forth by Marshal de Vauban of France and the Baron Menno Van Coehorn of the Dutch Army. These systems emphasized a catalog of shapes and fortification features that a commander could fit to suit the particular circumstances of the battlespace. Before you is a recreation of an 18th century redoubt, can you spot the different design elements?
1. Embrasure: Opening in parapet for artillery to fire through.
2. Ship’s carriage with 18 pdr cannon: Garrison carriages differ from ship’s carriages by having small cast iron wheels as opposed to ones made of wood.
3. Gun platform: A floor made of joists and planks to serve as a foundation for artillery and mortars.
4. Fascine: Bundles of saplings bound with vines used to support the parapet.
5. 24 pdr mortar and bed: A short artillery piece mounted to a large wooden block that fires projectiles at extreme elevations
this page online
6. Mortar pit: A gun platform specifically used for mortars.
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 12.25′ N, 77° 9.473′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It was in Middlesex Township. Marker could be reached from Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Technical History (a few steps from this marker); The Capture of Redoubt #10 (a few steps from this marker); Respect (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War (within shouting distance of this marker); Smallpox (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Smallpox (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Smallpox (within shouting distance of this marker); Stations Upon The Road (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Related marker.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012
2. Redoubt interior display
"Before you is a recreation of an 18th century redoubt, can you spot the different design elements?"
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
