Catalog Archive
Auction 135, Lot 314

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

Subject: 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.

Bound in the original report of Rear Admiral Dahlgren which includes reports from General Sherman; Captain D.B. Ridgely, Commander of the steamship Shenandoah; Commander F. Stanley; Commander Geo. B. Balch of the Steam-Sloop Pawnee; William H. Mallard Acting Master of the Steamer Daffodil, and many more. The disbound Report of the Secretary of the Navy includes pages 233 - 256. Also bound to the report are 3 folding plans showing the defenses at Charleston, James Island, and Sullivan's Island.

References:

Condition:

Each of the three plans are near fine, with very dark impression and just a little very light toning on one fold (A). The large map also has light fold toning and a short binding trim tear due to the thick paper (B+).

Estimate: $400 - $500

Unsold

Closed on 2/16/2011

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