By Thomas Mitchell - NMM BHC0420, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17721047
Both British and Patriot leaders understood the importance of the Hudson River. By controlling it, the British could create a divide between the manufacturing and agricultural centers of the colonies. Patriot forces realized the Hudson Highlands controlled important communication ferry links.
In 1776, General George Washington directed General Hugh Mercer to summon troops and build a fort on the west side of the Hudson River near a ferry crossing named Bourdette’s Landing. Simultaneously, Fort Washington was constructed on the other side. Initially named Fort Constitution, its name was changed to Fort Lee to honor Major General Charles Lee. Efforts to block the river with downed ships or chevaux de frise were unsuccessful.
On November 16, 1776, Fort Washington was rapidly captured. Three days later, Lord Cornwallis commanded his forces to cross the river and climb the cliffs of the Palisades in an effort to capture Washington. Washington was not there, but had became aware of the plan and evacuated his men. The next month was a difficult one for the Continental Army, as they made their way toward Trenton. During this time, Thomas Payne wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
Source: Borough of Fort Lee, Wikipedia, GC83XZ9, Journal of the American Revolution
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One of the oldest roads in the state, Fort Road was originally built by the federal government after Fort Ridgely was completed in 1853-54. Supplies were shipped from Fort Snelling to Traverse des Sioux, then transported by wagon to Fort Ridgely.
Nicollet County Road 5 runs more than 42 miles from its eastern terminus at its intersection with US Highway 169 in St Peter to the Renville County line. Old Fort Road presumably extended from Traverse des Sioux, although the portion running through the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College has been blocked off. Fort Road as an address runs from the western edge of St Peter to the end of CR-5.
In an ideal world, a paved trail would have been installed when the road was refurbished in the early 2010s. This planned geocache trail will have to suffice, but won’t alleviate my anxiety when biking here.