Cannon 1800-1900

By definition, a mortar is basically a cannon whose projectiles explode upon impact. Mortars tend to cause a lot more damage because of their explosiveness.

Siege of Petersburg: The "Dictator"

This image is of a mortar used during the American Civil War nicknamed the "Dictator"



The "Dictator" was used by the Union forces in the Civil War against the Confederacy. It played a vital role in the siege of Petersburg, which was fought over nine months from 1864 to 1865.

Design: The mortar was mounted on a railroad cart for easy navigation because of its weight of over 8.5 tons. The tube was made of iron with a bore diameter of 13 inches and a length of 53 inches.

Ammunition: Mortar shells, which are made of iron with a cavity containing gunpowder. These shells were used to wreak havoc past enemy lines by exploding upon impact. These particular shells were 220 pounds.

Manufacturer: 1862, Fort Pitt Foundry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania



A picture of the "Dictator" on a railroad cart



Mallet's Mortar

This is one of the designs of the mortar that was never used



This cannon was never used in battle, although it was built for use in the Crimean War between France/Britain and Russia.

Design: The cannon had a 910 mm caliber out of which huge cannonballs could be shot at very large distances. Caliber simply means the diameter of the tube out of which the projectiles are shot. As you can see above, the actual cannon is very large and powerful-looking. In fact, the cannon is so heavy that it had to be transported in pieces to ensure safety. The designs were never successfully carried out and ended in failed attempts to discharge the projectiles. Robert Mallet created these designs to be built for the Crimean War, after drawing interest from the English Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. After several futile attempts, the project was abandoned.

Ammunition: Since this cannon is a mortar, the ammunition consists of mortar shells, which are filled with gunpowder. The cannonballs explode upon impact. In the testing process, this cannon used shells that were about 2,500 pounds that could be launched a little under 3,000 yards.

Manufacturer: Designed by Robert Mallet and manufactured by C.J. Mare Ironworks, Blackwall after causing the bankruptcy of Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company. The mortar was never used in battle because of its defects.