Fort Wade

Fort Wade (1863-1863) - First established in March 1863 by Confederate forces during the U.S. Civil War. Named after Col. William Wade who was killed during the 29 Apr 1863 attack on the fort. Abandoned in 1863. Fort Wade Magazine Ruins. Fort Wade Sign. History Part of the Confederate defense of the town of Grand Gulf during the Union effort to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. The fort consisted of earthen works shielding four heavy rifle positions. Armament during the April 28-29 battle consisted of two 20 pounder Parrott rifles and two 32 pounder rifles. One of the Parrott riles burst and two 32 pounders were dismounted and the parapet destroyed. Col Wade was decapitated in the fight and the fort was silenced by fire from five heavy Union gunboats. Current Status Part of Grand Gulf Military Monument. No period guns or mounts in place. The earthworks are visible and the destroyed magazine is under protective cover. Location: Grand Gulf Military Monument, Mississippi. Maps & Images Lat: 32.031677 Long: -91.052215 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: ' Sources: Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 452 Links: North American Forts - Fort Wade Visited: 5 Dec 2009 Picture Gallery Gunboat Mortar Magazine Ruins Fort Site from below Fort Site from above