The Last Fortress of the Great Wall

I visited the western endpoint of the Great Wall of China, Jiayuguan Fort. The purpose of the fort was to protect China from invading Mongols and Central Asians during the Ming dynasty. The walls and towers were built from rammed earth and bricks. I analyzed the structure and discovered that the walls were about 33-feet high, 46-feet wide at the base, and 26-feet wide at the top. The fort had a military barracks, stables, and storage rooms. I learned that the fort was also used as a prison in the past. I found the history of the fort and the Great Wall fascinating.