Paddlewheel

USS Cairo Paddlewheel

NPS Photo

USS Cairo Paddlewheel

USS Cairo's recessed paddlewheel is similar to the well-known stern wheel. It was placed within the raceway between the casemates to protect the wheel from enemy cannon fire. This paddlewheel propelled the gunboat at a speed of 6 knots (about 7 mph). The buckets, or paddles, were probably made of uniform-width wood and could easily be replaced when damaged.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Vicksburg National Military Park was the last of the first five National Military Parks established by the Congress of the United States during the last quarter of the 19th century.