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A marked trail leads visitors to the site of a small earthen fort. Fort Tyler boasted an impressive list of heavy artillery. The three cannon positioned there were strategically placed to protect against attach from two corners, while the heaviest piece was placed at another corner to protect the rail system and bridges below the hill.
The fort contained three artillery pieces: a 32-pound naval gun which was placed on the southeast corner of the fort, and two 12-pound Napoleon guns, one of which was placed on the southwest corner and another on the northwest corner.
The two 12-pound guns, known as Napoleons after the French Emperor Louis Napoleon, were among the most popular and dependable guns of the Civil War period. The 12-pounder had a smooth bore, was effective, and easily maneuvered. It had a range of 1600 yards using the solid shot, shell, or case shot. Within short distances, a canister loaded with shot was used with lethal effects. The 12-pound Napoleon guns that are now in the fort are reproductions made by South Bend Replicas (cast iron barrel) and Paulson Brothers Ordinance Corp. (aluminum carriage).
The 32-pound naval gun was constructed by Charles Lott of Lott Pattern Shop in West Point. Plans for the 32-pounder were provided by Gary Blakeney in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This cannon is identical in design to the cannon used in the 1989 movie "Glory."
Fort Tyler has the proud distinction of being the last Confederate fort captured by the Union. Each year on the anniversary of the battle, our re-enacting soldiers and citizens display life in the West Point area during the time period of the battle at the reconstructed Fort Tyler off Sixth Avenue in West Point, GA. |
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| Annual Event |
The annual commemoration of the April 16, 1865, Battle of West Point is held at the reconstructed Fort Tyler off Sixth Avenue in West Point, Ga. The commemoration weekend begins with a military ball featuring period dance and music on Friday evening.
Living history demonstrations begin Saturday morning and conclude with a candlelight memorial service that evening. Admission to all events is free.
Re-enactments give us a picture of daily life and clothing of that period. Members of Company G, 2nd Georgia Infantry, the Columbus Guards and the West Point Living History group participate in this manner. |
| Contact, Address, Directions and Website |
| Phone: 706-645-1440 - Address: 6th Street, Downtown West Point Georgia 31833 - Directions from Atlanta: Take Exit #1 (Hwy 80) off I-85. Go West on GA 18 for 3 miles, into downtown Westpoint. Once in West point, simply follow the historical markers to Fort Tyler. The main Fort entrance with public parking is located on 6th Avenue, 1/2 block north of 10th Street just NW of historic downtown West Point Georgia. Fort Tyler Website |
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