Fort de Troyon, Military fortification in Lacroix-sur-Meuse, France.
Fort de Troyon is a military fortification built on elevated terrain and surrounded by ditches and ramparts. The site contains underground gun emplacements, open gun platforms, and connected defensive lines made of stone and earth.
The fort was built between 1878 and 1879 as part of a defensive line under General Séré de Rivières stretching between Nancy and Verdun. In September 1914, a legendary defense battle took place when the garrison repelled a massive assault.
The name comes from the nearby village of Troyon. Visitors can see the gun emplacements and barracks today, which show how soldiers lived and worked at this outpost.
The fort sits on a hill with good pathways for exploring the grounds, though some areas are steeper. Wear sturdy shoes and allow plenty of time to see all areas, as the site is quite large and spread out.
The fort was the scene of a dramatic episode during World War I when 450 soldiers held out against a much larger force. This small garrison played a crucial role in preventing the encirclement of a major city during the early phases of the war.
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