Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1894-12-12
CRASS.CROWN FORTS.
Reminders of the Revolution
Along the Hudson.
DEFENSES AGAINST THE RED-CoATs
kosciusko, the Famous Polish General
Planned Most of the Fortlncations
The Picturesque Ruins.

The New York "Times" correspond
ent at West Point writes: The High
lands of the Hudson, which stretch in
an almost unbroken range from a point
opposite Peekskill to Newburg, formed
in revolutionary days a section where
the most interesting and important
events of that period took place. The
numerous forts and other defenses now
in ruins bear silent testimony to the
indomitable perseverance of the men
who risked everything for freedom.
There is hardly an acre of this wild and
rugged region which, at that time,
was little better than wilderness,
without some reminder of the hardy
patriots strategic skill. The material
for many Of the forts had to be carried
ON mems backs to the tops of big hills,
and the difficulties attending their con-
struction have never been told by the
historian.
The first fort erected in the High
lands was situated few miles south of
West Point. 1t was known as Fort
Montgomery, and commanded that part
of the river known as "The Race. +"
A mountain known as Anthony's Nose
rises abruptly on the east side to u
height of 1900 feet. Fort Montgom-
cry lies on the west side of the Hudson,
and was protected from an inland at
tack by Bear Hill, which rises 1900
feet above the river.
The curve of the Hudson at this point
made the current extremely strong and
dangerous to ships. The provincial
army. the members of which were
well acquainted with the locality, de-
cided that the massive hills on both
sides of the river formed natural pro-
lection, which could be used with the
aid Of small force as an effectual
barrier against an army ON land, while
commanding the river where the tides
were most treacherous and the narrow
and abrupt curves made it, under all
Congress had passed resolution in
May, 1775, that post be taken in the
Highlands ON each side of the Hudson
River and batteries erected, and that
experienced persons be Immediately
sent to examine said river in order to
discover where it would be most advis-
able and proper to obstruct naviga-
tion."
The British had already laid their
plans to keep large number of men,
of-war and cutters on the river and to
storm whatever Notifications might be
constructed or attempted. The import
ance of keeping safe communication
and intercourse with Canada and de-
sire to make continual incursions into
Connecticut and Massachusetts, so as
to demoralize and divide the provincial
forces, determined the British to con-.
troll the river at all hazards.
The passes of the Highlands at this
time were guarded by several COM
panies of provincial militia, who had
returned to their homes after taking
part in the Canada expedition. In
July, 1776, rumor spread that the
enemy contemplated march along the
west shore of the Hudson. The provin-
cial convention ordered THAT one
fourth part of the militia Of the coun-
ties of Ulster and Orange be drawn out
for the defense of the State" A sys-
tenn of signals was introduced so that,
should the enemy attack the handful of
men who guarded the mountain passes,
those who were attending to their home
duties would Immediately march to
their assistance. Fortifications were
quickly thrown up on the SUBMITS of
Anthony's Nose and Mount Manito.
A position was also taken on Constitu-
tion Island, opposite West Point, which
was then uninhabited and strongly for
titled. Redoubts were constructed on
the surrounding hills and many guns
mounted on this island. The site,
however, was condemned by a Con-
gressional committee on account of be-
ing overlooked by West Point. The
post was not abandoned until the
British captured Forts Montgomery and
Clinton in 1777. 1t was destroyed by
the enemy Immediately after the fall
of these forts. No defenses had been
erected on West Point at this time.
The plateau known as West Point is
washed by the Hudson, which abruptly
changes it's course here, and with a
sharp curve forces its way through the
clefts of the highest part of the high.
land range. The mountains rise to q
great height on either side and com.
mand an extensive view of the sur.
rounding country. The wild and
rugged character of this section made
it uninviting to the early settlers, and
the place was unknown except to the
hunter and woodcutter. The fortifica
tion Of West Point had been decided
upon in 1875, but it was not until thu
winter of 1777 that actual work wa
begun. Colonel Radiere, a French
officer, had charge as engineer, but hi
plans failed to meet Washington's ap
proval and he was removed. Kosciusko
the famous Polish General, succeeded