US 13-Inch Mortar in Lowell, Massachusetts
US 13-Inch Mortar in Lowell, Massachusetts
A US Navy 13-Inch Mortar, Pattern 1861, is displayed in Lowell, Massachusetts. Many thanks to friend-of-the-page James Murray for taking and sending these photos!
As manufactured at Fort Pitt Foundry in 1862, the mortar weighed 17,280 pounds. It is marked with Foundry Number 1172. It bears the initials “J.M.B.” of US Navy Ordnance Officer John M. Berrien.
US 13-Inch Mortars were designed for US Army use in seacoast defenses. During the Civil War, they were used by the US Army in siege works - famously including the “Dictator” at Petersburg. They were used by the US Navy aboard mortar schooners and barges.
The mortar was dedicated to the City of Lowell by John Jacob Rogers - this may be the Congressman who served in Congress from 1913 to 1925. The mortar may be found between the City Hall and Public Library in Lowell.
Muzzle Face of Number 1172
The Foundry Number, 1172, can be seen as part of the casting on the mortar
The mortar is displayed on an original carriage
The mortar was dedicated to the City of Lowell by John Jacob Rogers
A US 13-Inch Mortar photographed aboard USS CP Williams during the war
