Sullivans Island in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
13-Inch Seacoast Mortar
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
1. 13-Inch Seacoast Mortar Marker
The marker displays a photo of mortars on Morris Island in 1865.
Inscription.
13-Inch Seacoast Mortar. . Union artillerists on Morris Island used mortars similar to this nine ton giant to fire 218-pound explosive shells into the Confederate fortifications. In 1874, two batteries, consisting of two mortars each, were emplaced near the site of the present Fort Moultrie visitor center., Maximum Range: 4200 yards (3840 M)
Union artillerists on Morris Island used mortars similar to this nine ton giant to fire 218-pound explosive shells into the Confederate fortifications. In 1874, two batteries, consisting of two mortars each, were emplaced near the site of the present Fort Moultrie visitor center.
Maximum Range: 4200 yards (3840 M)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 32° 45.535′ N, 79° 51.416′ W. Marker is on Sullivans Island, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is on Poe Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located in the cannon walk, stop eight, on the tour of Fort Moultrie. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sullivans Island SC 29482, United States of America. Touch for directions.
This particular mortar was cast in 1862 by Fort Pitt Foundry, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It weighted 17,196 pounds and was given the registry number 104.
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
3. Elevating System
On the breech of the mortar is a row of lugs. Here a bolt passing through a loop on the carriage fixes between two lugs. In operation a leaver fitted into the loop allowed the gunners to elevate the mortar. The raised number 917 to the right is the weapon's foundry serial number.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher
4. 13-Inch Seacoast Mortar Marker
[Morris Island, S.C. Federal mortars aimed at Fort Sumter, with crews]
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 918 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.