Critical Terrain

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Critical Terrain

CRITICAL TERRAIN. An esoteric term used by modern students of tactics and strategy, it is applied to any natural or man-made feature whose control would give either opponent a marked advantage. In many instances, critical terrain is immediately apparent, as at Kings Bridge, New York. Less obvious features, however, were Dorchester Heights in Boston, Mount Defiance at Ticonderoga in July 1777, and the ford (or bridge) at Bennington.

SEE ALSO Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts; Kings Bridge, New York; Ticonderoga, New York, American Capture of.