[2] The fort had an outer ditch and central earthen citadel with gun positions, magazine, and bombproof shelters for the garrison.

It was sited on a hill overlooking the rapides in the Red River then in existence and the remains of Bailey's Dam which had been built in May 1864.

The fort was built mainly by free Negroes and slaves who were conscripted to provide labor.

Confederate soldiers from units stationed in the area also contributed to the construction so that the fort would be completed before the start of the campaigning season in the spring of 1865.

[2] The United Daughters of the Confederacy held a ceremony to place markers at Forts Randolph and Buhlow in October 1927.