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

Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

1. Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars Marker

Inscription. These are the only known surviving cannons of Fort Macon's original armament. Used in the fort 1862 to 1902. Similar to mortars used by the Union Army against the fort in the 1862 bombardment.

Weight of Barrel .......................... 1968 Pounds
Weight of Gun Carriage (Bed) .... 1830 Pounds
Gunpowder Charge ................... 4 Pounds
Weight of Exploding shell ......... 88 Pounds
Bursting Charge of Shell ........... 3 Pounds
Range ............................ 2100 Yards

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 34° 41.781′ N, 76° 40.725′ W. Marker is near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, in Carteret County. Marker can be reached from Fort Macon Road, on the right when traveling east. Located on the Parade Field 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. Welcome to Fort Macon (a few steps from this marker); Model 1841 6-pounder Field Cannon (a few steps from this marker); Model 1841 Navy 32-pounder (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Shot Furnace (within shouting distance of this marker); Carronade Battery (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Rifled 32-pounder (within shouting distance of this marker); Cistern (within shouting distance of this marker); Mortar Battery (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic Beach.

Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

2. Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars and Marker

Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortar image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

3. Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortar

Both mortars at Fort Macon were cast by Cyrus Alger & Company, Boston, Massachusetts in 1862. This mortar weighed 1,968 pounds when inspected by Thomas J. Rodman (initials T.J.R.). It is registry number 7.

Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

4. Model 1861 10-inch Siege Mortars

The other mortar at Fort Macon is registry number 8, also from Cyrus Alger. It weighed 1,966 pounds.

Double Vents image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

5. Double Vents

Siege mortars usually featured two vents for placing the friction primer. These appear as small holes in the center of this view. Only one of the vents was clear to the powder chamber. The other, serving as a backup in the event of jamming or malfunction, was filled with zinc. In this view is the "U.S." acceptance mark, just above the vents.

Elevating Sockets image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

6. Elevating Sockets

The mortar was elevated by use of a metal leaver. The leaver was seated in the square hole in a bracket on the bed, then pushed into the sockets on the breech face of the mortar.

Mortar and Bed image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 2, 2010

7. Mortar and Bed

The mortar had an "ear" at the top, which was used to maneuver the weapon onto the bed or cart for transportation. The bed is made of wrought iron.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,728 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 3, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.