Forts
When most people think of forts, they imagine a large and impressive establishment with high walls of stone or perhaps a tall wooden palisade. These people would undoubtedly be disappointed by most of the forts in the Hell's Furnace of 1875. With a few exceptions, these forts are not meant to be held against a determined attack. Instead, they're places of refuge where supplies can be safely stored. Most have a small parade ground of about an acre surrounded by adobe buildings and an adobe wall. Some forts in areas with more trees have partial wooden walls. A few forts in peaceful areas are little more than clusters of buildings with a fence around them. Corrals, trading posts, and even barracks may be located outside of the walls.