Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Rodman Gun

Seacoast 10-inch US Model 1861

— Serial Number 257 —

Rodman Gun Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 17, 2021

1. Rodman Gun Marker

Inscription. This gun, known as number 40, formerly stood in the last casemate of the water battery. It acquired the name, "The Lovers' Gun", as it was a favorite rendezvous of sweethearts from Garrison, the Hygeia Hotel, and the Old Chamberlin Hotel.

Commonly known as the 10-inch Rodman, after designer Lieutenant Thomas J. Rodman, this piece is a smooth bore, muzzle loading weapon. The inscription on the muzzle, 14946 lbs., 1865 SGL Fort Pitt, Pa., No 247, indicates: the gun weight; the year of casting; the ordnance inspector, Stephen C. Lyford; the foundry and the serial number.

Length 137 inches
Diameter 35 inches
Range 100.67 lb shell...4836 yards
127.50 lb shot....5654 yards
Charge 15 - 20 lbs black powder

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 37° 0.247′ N, 76° 18.648′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Fort Monroe. Marker is at the intersection of Ruckman Road and Ingalls Road, on the left when traveling east on Ruckman Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Ruckman Road, Fort Monroe VA 23651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (within shouting distance of this marker); Escape To Freedom (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Freedom’s Fortress (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rodman Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Monroe (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rodman Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Cistern (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Monroe (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Also see . . . Fort Monroe National Monument. National Park Service (Submitted on October 19, 2021.)

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 17, 2021

2. Rodman Gun Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.