Catalog Archive
Auction 156, Lot 304

"General Map of Charleston Harbor South Carolina Showing Rebel Defenses and Obstructions", U.S. War Department

Subject: Charleston, South Carolina

Period: 1865 (dated)

Publication: Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy

Color: Printed Color

Size:
24.5 x 21.5 inches
62.2 x 54.6 cm
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This fascinating map was produced under the direction of Rear Admiral J.A. Dahlgren U.S.N. commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, by C.O. Boutelle Asst. U.S. Coast Survey. It shows the surveys of the shore line, channels, and fortifications with the location of Union and Rebel Batteries shown in color. It details positions of shipwrecks, obstructions, and torpedoes including the Housatonic, Keokuk, Flamingo, and many more. Tracks of numerous torpedoes are detailed. Many interesting notes include one giving the position of Ironsides as it lay over a 2,000 pound torpedo for "one hour" on April 7th, 1863. Table at lower left, Armament of Rebel Forts and notes explain the various symbols on the map. Charleston is shown as a detailed street grid. Possibly the best chart of Charleston Harbor produced during the Civil War. Extends to include Forts Shaw, Marshall, Sumter, Wagner and Johnson, plus many batteries.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding with light toning along the folds and faint offsetting of text in a few blank areas of the sheet. There is a 4" binding tear and 2" fold separation both at upper left that have been closed on verso with archival material.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $230

Closed on 2/17/2016

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