Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rodman Gun
Seacoast 8-inch Converted Rodman
— US Model 1861 Serial Number 5 —
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
1. Rodman Gun Marker
This piece was originally a 10-inch, smooth bore gun. It was converted in 1876 at the West Point foundry, New York, to an 8-inch rifle by inserting a rifled steel tube in the barrel. This particular conversion process was a failure as the system literally blew apart. The weapon is made of cast iron, weighs 15,970 pounds, has a length of 137 inches and a diameter of 35 inches. The ordnance inspector was Lt. Charles Sidney Smith.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 37° 0.262′ N, 76° 18.686′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Fort Monroe. Marker is at the intersection of Ingalls Road and Ruckman Road, on the left when traveling south on Ingalls Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Monroe VA 23651, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Monroe (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Rodman Gun (a few steps from this marker); Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rodman Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Escape To Freedom (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Freedom’s Fortress
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Fort Monroe (Stone Fort) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (pdf file). (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
2. Fort Monroe National Monument, National Park Service. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
2. Rodman Gun
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
3. Fort Monroe Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
4. Ordinance at Fort Monroe
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 587 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 15, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
