In 1775, the first American patriots occupied Martelaer's Rock (across the river) and soon renamed it Constitution Island after the British Constitution. In 1775, the Americans built Romans' Battery on the island - still visible at the river line on the right. This was the first fortification in the West Point area. By the end of 1776, they also built Marine Battery, Hillcliff Battery and Gravel Hill Battery. In 1777, the British destroyed these positions.

In 1778 and 1779, the Americans partially rebuilt Marine Battery, completely rebuilt Gravel Hill Battery, and constructed three interior redoubts to protect the river batteries from attack from the north. These fortification added depth to the West Point defensive zone. Redoubt 7 is visible at the western tip of the island. Redoubt 6 can be seen in the winter on the high ground behind Romans' Battery.

In 1778, the Great Chain was anchored at Constitution Island in the cove below Marine Battery. The cove is visible to the right of Romans' Battery.

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Show me all markers in:  West Point, NY  |  Orange County  |  10996  |  New York  |  United States of America

Sherburne's Redoubt
West Point in the American Revolution
In Memoriam
The Great Chain
Our National Heritage
Wars That Shaped the Nation
Wars That Shaped the Nation
Fred E. McAniff & John R. Parker
Battle of Mexico City
Wars That Shaped the Nation

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