Sullivans Island in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
7-Inch Brooke Rifle, Triple Banded
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
1. 7-Inch Brooke Rifle, Triple Banded Marker
Historians have presented contrary evidence that indicates this gun was produced by Tredegar Foundry in Richmond, instead of the Selma factory. The photo on the marker shows the 7-inch Brooke in service at Battery Marion on Sullivan's Island.
This quality product from the Confederate Naval Ordnance Works in Selma, Alabama was popular with Confederate artillerymen. Its long range, combined with heavy, accurate projectiles was particularly effective against Federal ironclads and siege batteries.Maximum Range: 7920 yards (7242 M)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 32° 45.532′ N, 79° 51.397′ W. Marker is on Sullivans Island, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is on Poe Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located in the cannon walk, stop eight, on the tour of Fort Moultrie. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sullivans Island SC 29482, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 8-inch Parrott (200 Pounder) (here, next to this marker); 10-Inch Columbiad, Rifled and Banded (here, next to this marker); 10-Inch Parrott (300 pounder) (a few steps from this marker); 10-Inch Columbiad (Rodman) (a few steps from this marker); Buoyant Mine (a few steps from this marker); 10-Inch Confederate Columbiad
this page online
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
2. 7-Inch Brooke Rifle and Marker
From this perspective, the "jaws" on the breech stand out. A metal strap ran across the breech through the jaws and connected to a hoop. Trunnions on the hoop supported the gun on the carriage, as seen on the photograph from the marker.
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
3. 7-Inch Brooke Rifle
Markings on the breech indicate a weight of 21,290 pounds. That weight corresponds to a weapon produced by Tredegar Foundry in 1862.
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
4. Three Bands
Looking at the breech of the rifle at all three layers of banding. These bands reinforced the breech and allowed higher powered shots from the rifled gun. Originally intended for use in ironclad gunboats, the 7-inch Brookes were mounted instead in shore batteries to fend off Federal ironclads.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,151 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
