Catalog Archive
Auction 163, Lot 355

"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:
24.8 x 21.8 inches
63 x 55.4 cm
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This fascinating map was produced by C.O. Boutelle, Asst. U.S. Coast Survey, under the direction of Rear Admiral J.A. Dahlgren U.S.N. 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 obstructions,torpedoes, and shipwrecks, 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. There is a table at lower left, "Armament of Rebel Forts," and notes to 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 scattered foxing, light toning along the folds, minor offsetting, and a short fold separation at a fold intersection. There is a short edge tear just entering the neatline at left that has been closed on verso with archival tape.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $150

Closed on 6/14/2017

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