Near Atlantic Beach in Carteret County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Rifled 32-pounder

(Replica)

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

1. Rifled 32-pounder Marker

Inscription. This cannon is a replica of a rifled Model 1841 Navy 32-pounder which stood here in the War Between the States. The cannon was originally a smoothbore 32-pounder and fired a round 32-pound cannonball. In October, 1861, Confederate soldiers converted it into a rifle by cutting spiral groves into its bore with a rifling machine. Rifling increased range and accuracy, and enabled the use of heavier projectiles.

Weight of Cannon Barrel .............6832 Pounds
Weight of Barbette Gun Carriage......4200 Pounds
Weight of Rifled Projectile ...........64 Pounds
Gunpowder Charge ......................8 Pounds
Range (extreme) .....................3 to 5 miles
Normal Gun Crew ........................5 Men

Plaque donated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Col. Stephen Decatur Pool Camp 1597. Morehead City, N.C. in honor of the Confederate soldiers who fought and defended Fort Macon, April 25, 1862.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Confederate Veterans/United Confederate Veterans series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1841.

Location. 34° 41.757′ N, 76° 40.733′ W. Marker is near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, in Carteret County. Marker

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is on Fort Macon Road, on the right when traveling east. Located on the parapet of Fort Macon, Fort Macon State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlantic Beach NC 28512, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hot Shot Furnace (within shouting distance of this marker); Mortar Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Model 1841 6-pounder Field Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Model 1841 Navy 32-pounder (within shouting distance of this marker); Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fort Macon (within shouting distance of this marker); Carronade Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Cistern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic Beach.

More about this marker. The marker displays several illustrations explaining the technology of rifled cannon and examples of rifled projectiles.

Replica 32-pounder and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

2. Replica 32-pounder and Marker

Replica 32-pounder image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

3. Replica 32-pounder

The cannon is mounted on a reconstructed front pintle barbette carriage.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,233 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.