1. FORT TERMINOLOGY Fort Erie

2. CURTAINS The main wall of the fort Fort Niagara curtains

3. Glacis The 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. Glacis Fort George

4. DRY DITCH A 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

5. Ravelin Outer defensive works. Often put in front of a gate. to divert attacking troops into defensive cannon fire. Fort George

6. Redoubt A fort within a fort. If the attackers were able to get over the main perimeter, the defending troops would make their last stand inside these fortifications. Fort Niagara

7. Fort Erie Magazine Where the gun powder was stored. Most often this room was buried underground so that it would not catch fire.

8. Palisade Earthen embankment often incorporating pointed wooden poles to slow attacking troops so that they can be easily fired upon. Fort Niagara

9. Bastion A 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