A strongly barred gate afforded entrance to the area within.
Loop-holes were cut through the palisades, just sufficiently large to allow the barrel of a musket to be thrust through, and aim to be taken at any approaching foe.
The space within was sufficient to accommodate several families, who were thus united for mutual protection.

Their horses and other cattle could be driven within the enclosure at night.

In case of a general alarm, the pioneers, occupying huts scattered through the region for miles around, could assemble in the fort.

Their corn-fields were outside, to cultivate which, even in times of war, they could resort in armed bands, setting a watch to give warning of any signs of danger.
The fort was in the middle of a small and fertile prairie.

The forest-trees were cut down around, and every obstacle removed which could conceal the approach of a foe or protect him from the fire of the garrison.