Union Artillery 6 Pound James Rifles

At the time of the Battle of Fort Pillow, the two middle embrasures, or openings in the parapet, were fortified with 6 pound James rifles manned by members of Battery D, 2nd U.S. Light Artillery (colored). During the final assault on the fort, all Union artillery was largely ineffective because the guns could not be depressed enough to fire upon the Confederates on the steep terrain below.

Tennessee · United States