South of Broad in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Thirteen - Inch Mortar
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 12, 2009
1. Thirteen - Inch Mortar Marker
13-inch seacoast and Navy mortar, Model of 1861. Total length, 56.5 inches; weight, 17,250 pounds; total production, 162; known survivors, 27.
This mortar and its three mates were first used by Federal troops for the bombardment of Fort Sumter in October, 1863. They may well form the world's largest collection of this type weapon.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1863.
Location. 32° 46.165′ N, 79° 55.774′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in South of Broad. Marker is on Murray Boulevard. Between E. Battery and King St. Battery Park - White Point Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Thirteen - Inch Mortar (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Thirteen - Inch Mortar (within shouting distance of this marker); Seven - Inch Banded Brooks Rifle (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Defenders of Charleston (within shouting distance of this marker); William Gilmore Simms (within shouting distance of this marker); Stede Bonnet / Richard Worley (within shouting distance of this marker); Thirteen Inch Mortar (within shouting distance of this marker); Ten - Inch Smooth Bore Columbaid Cannon
this page online
More about this marker. an In-pavement marker
Regarding Thirteen - Inch Mortar. Use of the Mortars
According to historian/reporter Warren Ripley, in his collected articles The Battery: Charlestown, South Carolina, the mortars in the battery cannot be accurately traced to wartime service around the city. The Federals did use a battery of 13-inch mortars to bombard Fort Sumter and several others on navy ships. But the registry numbers were not recorded at the time. The mortars on display arrived around 1874, and were used in the coastal defenses around Charleston until 1901. At that time, the mortars were placed on display at the battery.
Also see . . . Wikipedia entry- Siege. The Second Battle of Charleston Harbor (or the Siege of Charleston Harbor, Siege of Fort Wagner, or Battle of Morris Island) (Submitted on May 20, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 12, 2009
2. Thirteen - Inch Mortar Marker, a faint Foundry "Pitt" the only word to be found on mortar face
Type: Model 1861 13 inch Siege & Seacoast Mortar • Rarity: Uncommon • Years of Manufacture: Between 1860 and 1864 • Tube Composition: Iron • Bore Diameter: 13 inches • Standard Powder Charge: 20 lbs. • Projectiles: 200 lbs. Round Mortar Shells • Tube Length: 56.5 inches • Tube Weight: 17,250 lbs. • Range (at 45°): 4,325 yards • US Casting Foundry: Fort Pitt Foundry, Pittsburgh PA •
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 12, 2009
3. Thirteen - Inch Mortar Marker , another Mortar, with a duplicate marker
The 13-inch seacoast mortar had a maximum range of 4,300 yards, could be expected to be more accurate than it's smaller counterparts.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 12, 2009
4. Thirteen - Inch Mortar
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011
5. Thirteen - Inch Mortars
Looking East Along White Point Park
The Battery
Looking East Along White Point Park
The Battery
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011
6. Thirteen - Inch Mortar and Mortar Shells
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011
7. Mortar Shells Details
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,882 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 22, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
