Camp Allen in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee, 1860s

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, 2024

1. Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee, 1860s Marker

Inscription. The monitor USS Chicksaw crippled the ironclad CSS Tennessee's rudder, leading to its surrender at the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. The practice of taking and displaying war trophies had symbolic meaning to both memorialize a conflict, and as an expression of supremacy over a defeated foe.

Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command, NHHC 1972-313-B

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 5, 1864.

Location. 36° 55.346′ N, 76° 18.311′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Camp Allen. It can be reached from Mitscher Avenue 0.1 miles east of Morton Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Marker is on board Camp Allen. A DoD identification card is required to access the base. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1562 Mitscher Ave, Norfolk VA 23511, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically

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in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Trophy Cannon from CSS Albemarle, 1860s (a few steps from this marker); The Norfolk Facility (approx. 0.4 miles away); Airship Roma Disaster (approx. half a mile away); U.S. Submarine Veterans W.W. II Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Naval Aviation Depot, Norfolk (approx. 1.7 miles away); Navy Mess Attendant School (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Norfolk 17 (approx. 1.9 miles away); United States Army Memorial (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee & Marker image. Click for full size.

2024

2. Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee & Marker

The cannon is a 6.4-inch Confederate Brooke Rifle. The marker is affixed to the rear of the concrete mount.

Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee Engraving image. Click for full size.

2024

3. Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee Engraving

The banding on the gun has a trophy inscription engraved in it.

February 10, 2024

4. Trophy Cannon from CSS Tennessee Engraving

Right side of the engraving on the outermost breech band. The ship's name is evident.

CSS Tennessee in US Navy Service image. Click for full size.

1865

5. CSS Tennessee in US Navy Service

After capture the US Navy commissioned the ironclad as USS Tennessee. This view is a public domain US Navy photo, Naval History and Heritage Command Catalog # NH 60335

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2026. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 11, 2026. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.