Sullivan's Island in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Civil War Defense of Sullivan's Island

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017

1. Civil War Defense of Sullivan's Island Marker

Inscription. As the Civil War progressed from 1861 to 1865, Sullivan's Island became the primary defensive position for Confederate forces guarding Charleston Harbor. Anchored at Fort Moultrie, by 1865 these defenses stretched the length of Sullivan's Island with a total of 81 cannon mounted from the north end to the south end.

These cannon were brought to the island from many places including the old federal arsenal in downtown Charleston, Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, and Confederate ironworks in Richmond, Virginia and Selma, Alabama. Some of the cannon were common pieces seen throughout the Confederacy, while others were unique to the island. A few of those unique cannon are on display today to your left.

7-inch Triple-Banded Brooke This cannon was designed to match the fire power of the Parrott rifle, and was cast on December 13, 1862, by John Mercer Brooke. Confederate troops mounted it at Battery Marion to the west of Fort Moultrie. The cannon reportedly fired a 140-pound rifled projectile over four miles. Although effective, it was costly and time consuming to produce, only three were ever made.

Modified 10-inch Columbiad This

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cannon was captured at Fort Sumter after the first battle of the Civil War. Confederate defenders used the cannon until a Union shot destroyed one of its trunnions in 1863. General Beauregard, against the recommendations of his superiors, ordered the cannon rifled and banded, and new trunnions produced. The cannon returned to service at Battery Bee on Sullivan's Island, and was one of the most formitable cannon in the area. This cannon's modifications make it one of the most unique Civil War artillery pieces in the world.

Erected by National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 13, 1862.

Location. 32° 45.537′ N, 79° 51.419′ W. Marker is on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is at the intersection of Poe Avenue and Palmetto Street, on the left when traveling west on Poe Avenue. This marker is located along a park walkway, at the western end of a line artillery pieces. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sullivans Island SC 29482, United

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017

2. Civil War Defense of Sullivan's Island Marker

View of the marker at the western end of a row of artillery pieces.

States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Historic Charleston

and in the Lowcountry.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cannon Row (here, next to this marker); 13-Inch Seacoast Mortar (here, next to this marker); 10-Inch Confederate Columbiad (a few steps from this marker); 10-Inch Columbiad (Rodman) (a few steps from this marker); H.L. Hunley Disappears (a few steps from this marker); Discovering the Hunley (a few steps from this marker); The Hunley Recovery Project (within shouting distance of this marker); 10-Inch Columbiad, Rifled and Banded (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017

3. Civil War Defense of Sullivan's Island Marker

in Sullivan's Island.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Civil War Armament (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,085 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.