Richmond Hill in Bryan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sinking of the CSS "Nashville (Rattlesnake)"

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

1. Sinking of the CSS ''Nashville (Rattlesnake)" Marker

Inscription. In July, 1862, the CSS "Nashville", Capt. Baker, ran the Union blockade and entered Savannah via Wilmington River with a cargo of arms. Loaded with cotton for Europe, she attempted to escape via Ossabaw Sound. Thwarted by the vigilance of the blockading squadron, she was withdrawn up Great Ogeechee River and refitted as a raider. Renamed "Rattlesnake", her silhouette was lowered and she received heavier guns. In February, 1863, ready for sea, she dropped down-river to Fort McAllister to plan her escape. On the 27th, she was forced to retire upstream upon approach of the armored monitor "Montauk", Comdr. J.L. Worden, USN, and ran aground in Seven Mile Reach a short distance above the fort.

Early on the 28th, "Montauk" anchored near the fort and within 1200 yards of "Nashville (Rattlesnake)". She opened fire with 11-inch and 15-inch guns while her escort shelled the fort. Fires broke out and shortly "Nashville" was aflame fore and aft. At 9:20 her pivot gun burst, at 9:40 her funnel went by the board, and at 9:55 her magazine exploded, shattering her into smoking ruins.

Although undamaged by direct hits from the fort's guns, "Montauk" struck a torpedo while dropping down-river which blew a hole in her bottom. She was beached in the mud for repairs.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical

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Commission. (Marker Number 015-7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1863.

Location. 31° 53.384′ N, 81° 11.937′ W. Marker is in Richmond Hill, Georgia, in Bryan County. Marker can be reached from Fort McAllister Road. Located behind the Visitor Center along the path to Fort McAllister. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond Hill GA 31324, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Destruction of the C.S.S. Nashville (a few steps from this marker); C.S.S. Nashville (a few steps from this marker); Fort McAllister The Naval Bombardments (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. John McCrady (within shouting distance of this marker); Major John B. Gallie (within shouting distance of this marker); Tom Cat (within shouting distance of this marker); Machinery From The C.S.S. Nashville (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond Hill.

Also see . . . CSS Nashville (1853). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

2. Sinking of the CSS ''Nashville (Rattlesnake)" Marker

Sinking of the CSS "Nashville (Rattlesnake)" Marker seen along the path from the Visitors Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

3. Sinking of the CSS "Nashville (Rattlesnake)" Marker seen along the path from the Visitors Center

This marker shares the location with "Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear" (left) and "Fort McAllister Naval Bombardments" (center).

CSS Nashville (1861) image. Click for full size.

Naval Historical Center via Wikipedia, 1861

4. CSS Nashville (1861)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,803 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on January 17, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 13, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on January 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.