Wheels and Wheelhouse
2007

View of the Paddlewheel showing the ghosting (laminated wood framework) with the port pitman arm.

Cairo paddle wheel propelled the gunboat at a speed of 6 knots.  The paddle wheel was placed within the raceway between the casemates to protect it from enemy cannon fire. This paddle wheel is a recessed wheel similar to the well-known stern wheel.  The buckets were probably made of uniform-width wood and could easily be replaced when damaged. 

Vicksburg National Military Park