Written by Palmetto Bluff
Aug 20, 2020
Continuing with the history of Palmetto Bluff and the stories behind our street names, we’re featuring Steedman Street.
Located in the West Wilson neighborhood of Palmetto Bluff, Steedman Street is named for Rear Admiral Charles Steedman (1811-1890), the grandfather of Marion Mason Wilson, wife of RT Wilson, Jr.
Steedman, born in Charleston in 1811, entered the navy at the age of 17. Despite his Southern heritage, he remained in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. He commanded the gunship Bienville in the Battle of Port Royal in 1861 and a year later was part of the blockade of Charleston on his ship the U.S.S. Powhatan. After the war, Steedman was promoted to Commodore and moved to Boston, where he was put in charge of the Boston Naval Yard, one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities of the U. S. Navy. In 1872, Steedman became a Rear Admiral, and he retired two years later.
A monument to Admiral Steedman was erected at Arlington National Cemetery.
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