Introduction

Here are some more details about the heavy weapons located inside the Fort.

8″ Siege Mortar

Siege Gun


The mortar was designed to fire direct, high-angle “vertical” shots at enemy ships and troops. Troops could use this weapon to target smaller ships and personnel evading the larger cannons.
This cannon was discovered at a local cemetery and donated to the Castedl Island Association.

Rodman Gun

Each battery on the ramparts had an independent magazine that stored powder, fuses, cartridges, and other volatile explosives. The magazines were positioned nearby so that the crew could maintain a rapid fire. Each magazine was buried beneath an earthen cover, and heavy wooden doors were always closed to prevent a premature explosion.

Rodman Gun

20 Pound Parrot Rifles

During the War of 1812, cannon weaponry was not robust or accurate enough to destroy a granite fort. With this advancement in weaponry during the Civil War, defensive forts of this type became obsolete.

Parrott Rifle

Resources used for this Article:

Castle Island and Fort Independence book by William Reid.

This book can found at Boston Public Library or puchased thru Castle Island Assocation.

Great resourece on Robert Parker Parrot , here is more information him from Dartmouth Library.

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