Cannons of the American "Third System" Period

Rodman cannon at Fort Point
U.S. 10-inch Rodman gun, currently located at Fort Point.

NPS photo

U.S.10-inch Rodman gun, Model 1861

In 1867, the United States Army installed forty 10-inch Rodman cannons in the first and second tier casemates of Fort Point. These cannons were made using the newest technology, the Rodmand Process. In, 1893, soldiers fired a 17-gun salute to honor Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson during his visit to San Francisco. This may have been the last time Fort Point's Rodman cannon were ever fired.

 
U.S. 10-inch siege &garrison mortar, model 1841

Although it is identical to weapons used in posts around the San Francisco Bay, this particular mortar was not used to defend the harbor. Fort Point mounted several mortars of this style on the barbette(top) tier.
 
photo of a 32-pounder "James Banded" gun
U.S. 32-pounder "James Banded" gun, currently located at Fort Point.

NPS photo

U.S. 32-pounder "James Banded" gun, Model 1829

This cannon is a replica of a pre-Civil War weapon that was mounted on the barbette tiers of seacoast fortifications. It is identical to weapons used in posts of the San Francisco Bay. Fort Point mounted eleven 32-pounder guns of this style on the barbette tier.

 
photo of 8-inch "Columbiad" gun, currently located at Fort Point.
U.S. 8-inch "Columbiad" gun, currently located at Fort Point.

NPS photo

U.S. 8-inch "Columbiad" gun, Model 1844

This cannon is a reproduction of pre-Civil War weapon which was mounted on the barbette tiers of seacoast fortifications. It is identical to weapons used in posts of the San Francisco Bay.

 
24-pounder "Coehorn" mortar
U.S. 24-pounder (6-inch) "Coehorn" mortar, currently located at Fort Point.

NPS photo

U.S. 24-pounder (6-inch) "Coehorn" mortar, Model 1841

This mortar is a reproduction of pre-Civil War weapon which was mounted on the barbette tiers of seacoast fortifications. It is identical to weapons used in posts of the San Francisco Bay.

Last updated: July 29, 2015

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

Contact Us

Tools