Station Three — The Deck
You are standing on the “deck” — a modern platform marking the location where soldiers once stood on a nine‑foot‑wide earthen wall top. This vantage point helped them monitor the approaches to West Point and the Salt River.
You Are Here
Station Three highlighted on Walking Tour map
Understanding the “Deck”
The platform you are standing on today is a modern feature built to help visitors understand the commanding view from the south end of Fort Duffield. There was no wooden deck here during 1861–1862.
In the Civil War period, this entire stretch of the fort consisted of a nine‑foot‑wide earthen wall top that followed the contour of the ridge for nearly 1,000 feet. Soldiers walked picket along this entire length, watching the valley below for any sign of movement.
The modern platform simply marks a location where visitors can safely stand and appreciate the same sweeping view that soldiers relied on for observation and defense.
Visitor Guidance
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate; some uneven ground but generally level at the deck.
- Stay off the earthworks: The surrounding walls are original and easily damaged.
- Look for: The open space, the line of the walls, and the view toward the river.
- Safety Note: Watch your footing near edges and drop-offs.
The Fort’s Central Space
The deck area served as a central open space inside the fort. Here, soldiers assembled for roll call, received orders, and moved between cabins and defensive positions. It was a working space, not a formal parade ground, but it gave the garrison room to maneuver.
From this vantage point, the men could see the valley below and the routes leading to West Point. The deck helped them monitor the landscape and respond quickly if any threat appeared.
Engineering and Terrain
Fort Duffield’s builders took advantage of the ridge’s natural shape. They carved out this level area while shaping the surrounding earthworks. The deck sits between the higher parapets and the steep slopes, making it a practical place for daily activity.
The fort’s dimensions — about 247.5 feet deep and 660 feet wide in a straight line — meant that spaces like this were carefully planned. Every foot of ground had a purpose, whether for defense, movement, or camp life.
Life on the Deck
Soldiers crossed this area countless times each day. They carried water, firewood, and supplies, moved to guard posts, and gathered here during alarms. Although Fort Duffield never saw a major battle, the deck was part of the daily rhythm of garrison life.
Charles W. Bennett, Historical Sketches of the Ninth Michigan Infantry (1913). Describes Fort Duffield’s layout, dimensions, and daily life on Muldraugh’s Hill during 1861–1862.