FORT TERMINOLOGY

Fort Erie

CURTAINSCURTAINSThe main wall of the fort

Fort Niagaracurtains

GlacisGlacisThe open field out beyond the fort that was sloped up hill so that cannon balls on hitting the ground would

skip into the air, flying harmlessly over the fort.

GlacisGlacis

Fort George

DRY DITCHDRY DITCHA gully that surrounded the fort. It would be kept dry so that it would not freeze over in the winter,

which would have made it easier for troops to attack the walls of the fort. The ditch was wide

enough so that ladders could not be used to reach the walls, and steep enough that foot soldiers would

find it very difficult to climb its slopes.

Fort George

RavelinRavelinOuter defensive works.

Often put in front of a gate to divert attacking troops into defensive cannon fire..

Fort George

RedoubtRedoubtA fort within a fort.

If the attackers were able to get over the mainperimeter, the defending troops would make their

last stand inside these fortifications.

Fort Niagara

Fort Erie

MagazineMagazineWhere the gun powder was stored. Most often this room was buried underground so that it would not

catch fire.

PalisadePalisadeEarthen embankment often incorporating pointed wooden poles to slow attacking

troops so that they can be easily fired upon.

Fort Niagara

BastionBastionA four sided

projection in the corner of the fort. If you tried

to attack a bastion, you would draw supporting fire from the bastion on the left and right.

Fort Erie

Bastion