Continuing our short series on Civil War sites at Torreya State Park in Gadsden County, Florida, this photograph was taken from inside Gun Emplacement #1.
It provides a good idea of how the Confederates dug down into the top of the bluff to create their cannon positions. Gun Emplacement #1 is the southernmost of the positions and is connected to Emplacement #2 by a connecting trench. The cannon here were mounted on raised en barbette firing platforms.
Manned in 1863-1864 by Companies B and D of Bonaud's Battalion (28th Georgia Battalion, Heavy Artillery), the battery at Torreya consisted of six pieces of artillery. None of the guns (two 32-pounders, one 24-pounder and three 18-pounders) were rifled, but their elevated position would have allowed them to direct plunging fire on any Union vessels from short range.
The battery was never attacked, but its men were temporarily sent east in February of 1864 and fought at the Battle of Olustee, Florida.
Our series on Torreya State Park will continue. Until the next post, you can read more by visiting www.exploresouthernhistory.com/torreyastatepark.
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