The Cannons of Fort Macon
Fort Macon on Bogue Banks in North Carolina is a beautifully preserved and restored Third System fort which has been operated as a state park since 1924. Over the last decades the Friends of Fort Macon have raised money to rearm the fort and in so doing has made a very significant contribution to the historical interpretation of the fort. For those who are interested in American Seacoast Artillery, Fort Macon is a fascinating site to visit.
Fort Fisher has Reopened!
Fort Fisher State Historic Site has reopened! The newly constructed visitors center and museum is magnificent. The fort itself has two newly reconstructed gun emplacements “armed” with replica banded and rifled 32-Pounders and two field pieces in front of the fort. It was a beautiful day for a visit. More posts will follow in the future which will try to tell something of the history of the fort and its people, but here are a few photos.
30-Pounder US Army Parrott Rifles at Fort Pulaski
US Army 30-Pounder Parrott Rifles were successfully used in the Siege of Fort Pulaski in April of 1862. Several 30-Pounder Parrott Rifles (also called 4.2-Inch Parrotts) are displayed at the Fort. The US Army Model is both longer and heavier than the Navy 30-Pounder.
USS Constitution - Frigate of the United States Navy
USS Constitution, a sailing frigate built in 1797 for the United States Navy, is in active commission at Boston, Massachusetts. She shows the culmination of the 18th Century frigate: powerful and fast. She is a wooden city at sea, able to provide for her 400 crew for months at a time as she cruises the world’s oceans. As an active duty ship, she is still crewed by sailors of the United States Navy. As this website shows the development of naval and artillery technology during the 19th century, Constitution shows the beginning point.
USS Constellation - Sloop of War of the United States Navy
USS Constellation is the last sailing only ship designed for the US Navy in 1854. She is also the only intact US Navy ship which saw active cruising service during the American Civil War. She is preserved at Baltimore.
The Naval Cannon of Fort Anderson
Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site displays two reproduction guns representing US Navy Cannon from the Civil War era. Also on display are 18th century Naval Guns related to the town’s early colonial history.