Massive Smoothbore

Fort Pickens Interpretive Panel: Massive Smoothbore

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

A 15-inch Rodman like this gun-one of the largest smoothbore cannons ever developed. It was installed here in 1868, but never fired in combat. Though gradually replaced by rifled, breech-loading artillery, 8, 10, and 15-inch Rodmans remained the primary armament at Fort Pickens and other coastal forts until the late 1880's. The barrel of the 15-inch Rodman weighed 50,000 pounds. With a maximum effective range of three miles, it could fire a 15-inch diameter explosive shell weighing about 300 pounds or a solid 450-pound shot. The circular iron tracks allowed the cannon to be turned to fire in any direction.