Gambles Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Southern Firepower

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

1. Southern Firepower Marker

Inscription. This 6.4-inch Brooke rifled cannon represents one of the greatest sources of pride for the Confederacy. Named for its inventor, John Mercer Brooke, this type of gun was renowned for its superior range, accuracy and reliability over its smoothbore counterparts. Because of their effectiveness, Brooke’s guns were mounted inside many southern fortifications and were also used on board many Confederate warships. This example was cast at Richmond’s famous Tredegar Iron Works in July 1862, and was mounted within the James River defenses near Drewry’s Bluff. There it successfully guarded the river approaches to Richmond. It was capable of firing an 80-pound solid projectile more than four miles.

(sidebar)
John Mercer Brooke
The gun’s designer, John Mercer Brooke, was an inventor and Chief of Confederate Naval Ordnance. Brooke assisted in developing many of the South’s unique weapons, including submarines and torpedoes, and was instrumental in the design of the famous ironclad C.S.S. Virginia. He also prepared the first railroad-mounted artillery that was used at the Battle of Savage’s Station.

Erected by Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce

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• War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1862.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 32.099′ N, 77° 26.736′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Gambles Hill. Marker was on Tredegar Street, 0.1 miles west of South 5th Street. This marker is located outside the Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 470 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Southern Firepower (here, next to this marker); Overshot Waterwheel (a few steps from this marker); Gateway to the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Tredegar (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Reid Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Industrial Patterns (within shouting distance of this marker); Toledo 1000-ton Press (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gun Foundry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. On the lower left is a photograph carrying the caption, "A Confederate Brooke mounted along the

Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

2. Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works

James River. It was photographed in 1865."

On the right is a photograph of "John Mercer Brooke"

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Southern Firepower".

Also see . . . John Mercer Brooke 1826-1906. Civil War Artillery (Submitted on November 5, 2009.)

Brooke gun (Made at Tredegar Iron Works) on James River above Dutch Gap Canal. image. Click for full size.

Apr 1865

3. Brooke gun (Made at Tredegar Iron Works) on James River above Dutch Gap Canal.

Confederate Battery on James River, Va., above Dutch Gap Canal. Brooke gun made at Tredegar Iron works. Miller vol. 5, p. 317. Library of Congress [LC-B815- 42]

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,103 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.