Fort Jay (Fort Columbus)-- Part 2

During the Civil War, the fort's armament was upgraded to some of the most formidable cannons in the Union's arsenal to deter any thought of attack by Confederate raiders.  Nearly fifty 10-inch and 15-inch Rodman guns were placed at the fort.

At the start of the war, the fort was used as embarkation for troops to relieve Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.  Tghe first one involved the steamer Star of the West which was turned back by cadets from the Citadel.  The second attempt resulted in the start of the war..

The North Barracks were used to house captured Confederate officers awaiting transfer to Camp Johnson in Ohio, Fort Delaware or Fort Warren in Boston Harbor.  The fort also was used a s a recruitment center and a hospital.  Confederate Major General William H.C. Whiting had been wounded and captured at Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865.  He was treated at the hospital, but died of dysentery.

--Bock-Perry