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.