Two US Navy 12-Pounder Boat Howitzers, Heavy, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania
One of two US Navy 12-Pounder Boat Howitzers, Heavy, which flank a Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Two US Navy 12-Pounder Dahlgren Boat Howitzers, Heavy, flank the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. I was unable to clearly see the information stamped on them on the day of my visit, but according to Olmstead, they are:
US Navy 12-Pounder Dahlgren Boat Howitzer, Heavy, Number 364 manufactured by Ames in 1864. Weight as manufactured was 774 pounds.
US Navy 12-Pounder Dahlgren Boat Howitzer, Heavy, Number 365 manufactured by Ames in 1864. Weight as manufactured was 775 pounds.
According to Olmstead, both were carried by the converted merchant steamer USS South Carolina, though I only see Number 364 so designated in RG 74 Entry 112. It may be that they were associated with USS South Carolina in that ship’s post-war service as a support vessel to the fleet.
Dahlgren’s boat howitzers were designed to be used aboard boats and ashore in support of landing parties. A well drilled crew could quickly transfer the howitzer between its boat mounting and the landing carriage (upon which these howitzers are displayed). They were designed to fire shell, case, and canister. During the war, they also saw extensive use aboard ships as light artillery.
12-Pounder Boat Howitzer Number 364
12-Pounder Boat Howitzer Number 365
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Pottsville, Pennsylvania
The Sailor’s sculpture
A Monument to the veterans of the Spanish American War is also part of the display
