NPS painting Online Tour Stop 4- Creating a Defense The Patriot force of 1,000 men faced superior numbers from the Loyalists numbering 1,600. To even the odds and improve their chances of victory, the Patriots dug in. They created earthworks for protection. What are earthworks? Earthworks are an earthen fortification. Imagine building a life-size sandcastle to defend yourself. The earthworks placed one hundred feet from the bridge were designed in a circular pattern. The earthen fortification also sat on an elevated ridge overlooking the bridge. Between the earthworks and the bridge was a long narrow causeway between a swamp and the creek. The terrain and placement of the earthworks would make any attack difficult for on coming soldiers. |
Last updated: August 12, 2020