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Valley Forge Sites

• Innerline Defenses and Redoubts
• Knox Quarters
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Valley Forge Innerline Defenses and Redoubts (cannon emplacements

The Inner-Line defenses were made up of a series of low earthen mounds and fortifications where cannon's were set overlooking the valley below. They extended about one mile from Mount Joy to the Schuylkill River to the North. Many of the existing defenses are visible, however, weather and man have worn many of them down. Trees are now growing where once the sight line was clear. It is important to remember that back in the 1700's wood was used for building, heating, and cooking, so trees were scarce. With the advent of better fuels and building materials, trees have been able to make a comeback.

The Redoubts today look like little more than mole hills. These earthworks were in fact complexly engineered defenses. First a deep ditch was dug to slow the advancing enemy. The excavated dirt was put into Gabions which are baskets of interwoven branches. Bundles of branches called Fascines were piles outside and inside the wall to protect the defenders. The entire work was covered with sod to absorb cannon fire, further protecting the defenders.

The images below are available as digital downloads for purchase from the TML Images website. You must either have or create an account on the TML Images website to be able to download the digital images as the link to the file can only be available to registered users. Please read the End User License Agreement (EULA) located on the TML Images website for further details.