Richmond Hill in Bryan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort McAllister The Naval Bombardments

Fort McAllister Naval Bombardments Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

1. Fort McAllister Naval Bombardments Marker

Inscription. On July 1st and 29th, 1862, the fort was shelled by Union gunboats and on Nov. 19th by the ironclad "Wissahickon" and two escort craft. Hit below the waterline, "Wissahickon" withdrew after firing 17 11-inch and 25 other shells. The escorts withdrew later after firing 49 100-pdr. and 42 other shells.

On Jan. 27, 1863, the armored monitor "Montauk," Comdr. J.L. Worden, USN, anchored near the fort, leaving her escort of four gunboats one mile astern. She fired 61 15-inch and 35 11-inch shells, the first use of 15-inch shells against land battery.. On Feb. 1st, "Montauk" and her escort shelled for five hours, killing Major John B. Galle, CSA, wounding 7 gunners, and disabling 1 gun. On Feb. 28th, while her escort shelled the fort, "Montauk" destroyed the CSS "Nashville," aground 1400 yards NNW.

On Mar. 3rd, the monitors "Passaic," "Patapsco" and "Nahant," Capt. P. Drayton, USN, engaged the fort for eight hours with no more damage to either side than had been suffered in the previous engagements. No further naval bombardments were attempted. By Act of the Confederate Congress, approved May 1, 1863, the defenders were thanked for their "gallantry and endurance."

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 015-4.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is

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listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1891.

Location. 31° 53.386′ N, 81° 11.921′ W. Marker is in Richmond Hill, Georgia, in Bryan County. Marker can be reached from Fort McAllister Road. Marker is located behind Fort McAllister Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond Hill GA 31324, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear (a few steps from this marker); Sinking of the CSS "Nashville (Rattlesnake)" (within shouting distance of this marker); Destruction of the C.S.S. Nashville (within shouting distance of this marker); C.S.S. Nashville (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. John McCrady (within shouting distance of this marker); Major John B. Gallie (within shouting distance of this marker); Tom Cat (within shouting distance of this marker); Machinery From The C.S.S. Nashville (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond Hill.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

2. Fort McAllister Naval Bombardments Marker

Fort McAllister Naval Bombardments Marker, located along path from Visitor Center to Fort complex image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

3. Fort McAllister Naval Bombardments Marker, located along path from Visitor Center to Fort complex

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,434 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 13, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.