Scott Shields Photo
Technological change
Fort Pulaski near Savannah was designed in 1833 with 11 foot thick walls to withstand the best artillery of the day, smooth bore canons. When the Civil War came, the Confederate leadership believed the fort to still be impenetrable. However, in the 29 years that ensued, the technology changed. Rifled boring and metallurgical manufacturing techniques allowed much more accurate artillery fire. This image shows some of the damage inflicted by the Union on Fort Pulaski. When the walls were breached, the commander capitulated lest his powder magazine be hit.
Technological change
Fort Pulaski near Savannah was designed in 1833 with 11 foot thick walls to withstand the best artillery of the day, smooth bore canons. When the Civil War came, the Confederate leadership believed the fort to still be impenetrable. However, in the 29 years that ensued, the technology changed. Rifled boring and metallurgical manufacturing techniques allowed much more accurate artillery fire. This image shows some of the damage inflicted by the Union on Fort Pulaski. When the walls were breached, the commander capitulated lest his powder magazine be hit.