A network of batteries, breastworks, redoubts and rifle pits defended the town. During the American Revolution, the area was the location of numerous fortifications, redoubts and breastworks. Rice had placed the federal forces behind breastworks, abatis and rifle pits. The Confederates deployed in line in shallow rifle pits faced with log and fence-rail breastworks. The trenches were deep, with breastworks high but were unable to withstand a howitzer bombardment. When General Wheeler reached the trenches, he ordered breastworks constructed. Beauregard's men fought fiercely, erecting new breastworks to the rear as breakthroughs occurred. They attacked from mostly positions sheltered by woods just outside the Confederate breastworks. The Apaches had thrown up defenses, which consisted of several breastworks made of stone. Gen. George S. Greene's XII Corps brigade behind strong breastworks on Culp's Hill. The Ohioans had holed up behind a breastworks made of wagons. Thus, when the Federal army came upon the first Confederate breastworks, they found them abandoned. Between every two carts, there were breastworks for his matchlock men. The Patriotes then retreated back to the breastworks. Gen. Thomas L. Kane connecting to Greene's line behind breastworks on the lower slope.