Rifled 32-pounder
(Replica)
This cannon is a replica of a rifled Model 1841 Navy 32-pounder which stood here in the War Between the States. The cannon was originally a smoothbore 32-pounder and fired a round 32-pound cannonball. In October, 1861, Confederate soldiers converted it into a rifle by cutting spiral groves into its bore with a rifling machine. Rifling increased range and accuracy, and enabled the use of heavier projectiles.
Weight of Cannon Barrel .............6832 Pounds
Weight of Barbette Gun Carriage......4200 Pounds
Weight of Rifled Projectile ...........64 Pounds
Gunpowder Charge ......................8 Pounds
Range (extreme) .....................3 to 5 miles
Normal Gun Crew ........................5 Men
Plaque donated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Col. Stephen Decatur Pool Camp 1597. Morehead City, N.C. in honor of the Confederate soldiers who fought and defended Fort Macon, April 25, 1862.
Marker is on Fort Macon Road, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
