Near Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Rifled Cannon

Fort Jefferson

— Dry Tortugas National Park —

Rifled Cannon Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

1. Rifled Cannon Marker

Inscription.
The 300-pounder Parrot had spiral grooves, called rifling, which caused its elongated, pointed projectile to spin. This made the Parrotts much more accurate than smoothbore Rodman cannon that fired round cannonballs. The Parrot's muzzle-loaded bullet could also penetrate masonry forts. In the 1890s, steel, breech-loading rifles replaced the brittle cast-and-wrought-iron Parrots, and over time steel reinforced concrete batteries replaced brick fortifications like Fort Jefferson.

(captions)
A gun crew at a Civil War-era fort fires a Parrott rifle.

Projectile for rifled cannon

Look in the barrel to see the rifled grooves.

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

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil.

Location. 24° 37.718′ N, 82° 52.333′ W. Marker is near Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. This marker is located within Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soldiers' Barracks (a few steps from this marker); Traverse Magazine

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(a few steps from this marker); Intricate Gun Rooms (within shouting distance of this marker); Keeping Powder Dry and Safe (within shouting distance of this marker); Mariners Beware! (within shouting distance of this marker); Makeshift Living Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Touring Fort Jefferson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Deadly Crossfire (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . .
1. Well Armed. (Submitted on June 3, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Dry Tortugas National Park. (Submitted on June 3, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

2. Rifled Cannon Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.