- 1). Sketch the fort on a piece of paper. Determine the shape, dimensions and scale of the structure. The fort ideally should consist of four walls connected by bastions ---- structures projecting outward from the fort allowing for defensive maneuvers. Draw the features within the fort ---- buildings, enclosures, gates and more.
- 2). Erect wooden posts, cones or other markers to outline a square on a plot of land. Mark the four corners that will serve as the structure's bulwarks. The sides of the square will be the curtains ---- the walls between the bastions.
- 3). Outline squares around each marked corner. The size and placement of the square is your choice and depends on the dimensions and shape you want for the fort's bulwarks.
- 4). Dig a 3-foot trench along the outline of the curtains. Avoid digging into the corners intended for the bulwarks. Measure the length of each trench. This will be the length of your walls.
- 5). Measure the length to determine how many wooden posts are needed for the walls. Lay the wooden posts on the ground next to each other. Bind the posts with horizontal wooden slats running the length of the wall. Nail as many slats as needed to make the wall tight and sturdy.
- 6). Place the wall upright into the trench. Pack dirt tightly into the trench to keep the wall firm. Repeat this with each of the four walls.
- 7). Construct a boxed wooden structure on the squares marked for bastions. Build the first part of the structure as high the walls. Enclose the structure on top with a flat roof.
- 8). Construct a fort lookout on top of the first structure. The lookout should have open windows or window slits on each side. Top the fort lookout with a slanted roof.
- 9). Build additional buildings within the walls of the fort. Be creative. A military fort usually had administrative buildings, sleeping quarters, a prison and storage structures for weapons and food.
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