Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

24 Pound Naval Gun

Circa 1800

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

1. 24 Pound Naval Gun Marker

Inscription. Cast by the Hughes Foundry near Havre de Grace, Maryland about 1800. The Defense Act of 1794 authorized 180 similar guns to be manufactured. This gun is one of three known to exist today. Two similar guns are in Savannah, Georgia. This gun is marked with the Federal Eagle, serial number and weight. The gun weighs over 5000 pounds and is similar to guns that were used on the United States Frigate Constitution "Old Ironsides". Capable of shooting a 24 pound cannon ball about six inches in diameter for about one mile.

Found on the bank of the Sampit River during excavation for utility improvement behind the Rice Museum-Prevost Gallery in 1991. Its use since 1800 and reason to be in Georgetown are unknown.

Restored and preserved by the South Carolina Department of Archeology and Anthropology with funds provided by the Winyah Indigo Society of Georgetown.

Dedicated November 1999

Erected 1999.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.

Location. 33° 22.072′ N, 79° 17.182′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. Marker is at the intersection of Front Street and King Street, on the right when traveling south on Front Street. Located at the

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foot of King Street in the Georgetown waterfront park known as Joseph Hayne Rainey Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Georgetown SC 29440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kaminski House Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Georgetown (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Hayne Rainey Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgetown’s Industrious Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgetown Steel Corporation (within shouting distance of this marker); Landing of Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Kaminski House Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Kaminski House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Additional commentary.
1. Location
This Naval Gun is located in the Joseph Hayne Rainey Park at the corner of King Street in Front Street. The existing location description references a Post Office Building. While the building still exists, it is no longer a Post Office.

Editor's response: I am not understanding your requested correction. The page does not name the post office building. It merely states which zip code (post office delivery area) it is in.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

2. 24 Pound Naval Gun and Marker
— Submitted July 24, 2023, by Kent C Hermes of Georgetown, South Carolina.

Cannon and Georgetown Tricentennial Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

3. Cannon and Georgetown Tricentennial Marker

Close Up of the Eagle, Foundry Number, and Weight Markings image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

4. Close Up of the Eagle, Foundry Number, and Weight Markings

24 Pound Naval Gun Marker seen near Front Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 11, 2013

5. 24 Pound Naval Gun Marker seen near Front Street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,232 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 6, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on May 12, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.