What does the term 'garrison' refer to in the context of building forts in early United States?

• A. Troops stationed in a fortress or town
• B. A type of fortification
• C. A supply depot
• D. A treaty

Answer: (A)

Garrison refers to the troops stationed at a fortress or in a town to defend and control the area. In early United States frontier practice, a fort would be manned by a garrison—the officers and enlisted soldiers who lived there, manned weapons, patrolled the surrounding area, guarded supplies, and carried out orders to protect settlers and secure routes. The fort is the physical stronghold, while the garrison is the military force occupying it. This term isn’t describing a type of fortification, a supply depot, or a treaty; it’s about the people who staff and defend the fort or town.