Abatis
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| U. S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, PA |
Abatis were trees cut to point in the direction of the enemy, with the tips of the
trees sharpened into spikes. One or more lines of closely packed abatis could make a tricky
and treacherous obstacle. The abatis in front of the fortifications surrounding
Petersburg in 1864 represented an intimidating sight for soldiers before they attacked.