Battle Of
       West Point
 Armament

        The fort contained three artillery pieces: a 32-pound naval gun which was placed on the southeast corner of the fort, and two 12-pound Napoleon guns, one of which was placed on the southwest corner and another on the northwest corner.   


southwest corner



southeast corner


northeast corner

        The two 12-pound guns, known as Napoleons after the French Emperor Louis Napoleon, were among the most popular and dependable guns of the Civil War period.  The 12-pounder had a smooth bore, was effective, and easily maneuvered.  It had a range of 1600 yards using the solid shot, shell, or case shot.  Within short distances, a canister loaded with shot was used  with lethal effects.  The 12-pound Napoleon guns that are now in the fort are reproductions made by South Bend Replicas (cast iron barrel) and Paulson Brothers Ordinance Corp.  (aluminum carriage).  

        The 32-pound naval gun was constructed by Charles Lott of Lott Pattern Shop in West Point.  Plans for the 32-pounder were provided by Gary Blakeney in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  This cannon is identical in design to the cannon used in the 1989 movie "Glory."

 
 
 
Fort Tyler is an official Civil War Discovery Trail site. The Civil War Discovery Trail links more than 300 sites in 16 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its haunting impact on America. The Trail, an initiative of the Civil War Preservation Trust, allows visitors to explore battlefields, historic homes, railroad stations, cemeteries, parks, and other destinations that bring history to life. For more information on the Civil War Discovery Trail and the Civil War Preservation Trust, see www.civilwar.org

Copyright © 2006 Fort Tyler Association