Tom Cat, the Confederate Mascot

Fort McAllister was part of the defensive ring protecting the Confederate city of Savannah, Georgia. It was built of earthworks, sods and mounds of mud from the nearby Ogeechee River. McAllister's cherished mascot was Tom Cat, a large black cat adored by the garrison. Tom Cat would run back and forth along the defenses during battle, dodging the hail of musket fire.

Early in 1863 the Unionists began a series of determined naval assaults on the fort. The Commander, Major John B. Gallie was decapitated. About a month later on March 3, Tom Cat's luck ran out when a stray bullet ended his life. Tom was buried with full military honors and in the official report of the action his death was communicated to General Beauregard. His loss was keenly felt by the defenders of the fort. However, they held out until the end of 1864.

Often visitors, staff and re-enactors claim they have reported seeing a black cat running along the ramparts, in some of the rooms and peering toward the river. Others say they have felt a touch of fur on their legs. All the staff and administrators insist that there are no real cats living in the park grounds. So the question is, Does Tom Cat still run in the fort?

Thank you for posting this! Animal rescue is my passion, and black cats hold a special place in my heart - and now Tom Cat does too .

Is Abraham your cat, jpeter?

Great cat. Looks,exactly, like my cat, "Scruffy",except for the hat and tie,of course. "Scruffy" is pretty Cas.

Very true! My cats absolutely rule the house and barn. I'm guessing, that since jpeter is an ardent ornithologist, Abraham may not be a part of the household.

I believe that animals, as well as humans, can haunt an area.

Lee thanks for picture of plaque. It adds to the post.

Since we're posting cat photos, this one is ours. Tucker at 15. He and the backyard birds get along famously now, since he mostly watches while chattering his teeth.

The name of a cat belonging to some very old and dear friends... Piewacket lived in the early 1970's... I have never heard the name before or since, until your post...

Thanks for posting this, Donna, love cats and cat stories, too! And thanks to Glorybound for plaque photo. Agree with others who have stated the importance of remembering and honoring the service of the animals of the war, as well as the 2-leggeds.

Once camped for a summer in national forest back country, and took my previously indoor-only cat. She did fine in the tent, and easily walked with me on a leash from the first time we tried.

The amazing thing, though, was how quickly she became a "watch cat." She woke me whenever there was a critter around that worried her, and if we were out walking, almost went on alert like a dog does. She would stop, perk her ears, and look and sniff toward wherever bothered her. The instinct of the wild cat is still there, and they're hunters and predators at heart.

My guess is that Tom Cat (or any cat) may have had that instinct come out in a war situation. In addition to being mascot and owner of "his" troops, Tom Cat might also have been a "watch cat." Would be interesting to know... [But I'm putting that question on the back burner for now, too many others to research first.]

My brother's cat was named Pyewacket. Pye was 35lbs - somewhat hefty for bird-chasing!

My old black cat Josh used to bring me, of all things, snakes. Sometimes a salamander. Never, never a bird. (Not since he was attacked by two bluejays...)

I think I remember hearing of other cats who were wartime mascots - Misfire was one, Bilgewater another. That must have been a navy cat!

Bilgewater happens to be one of my favorite Maritime Mascots ...
(taken from http://www.usni.org/news-and-features/cats-and-the-sea-services)

That's him! Thanks - really great article, too. There's a long and ancient relationship between cats and sailors. I think it goes back to the wooden ships with their rats!