Cannons

Cannons. Grim Weapons of War. Confederate artillery was posted here. The cannons were placed behind protective earthworks, still faintly visible today. Their fire swept the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike below., Model 1841 6-pounder field guns were used at Camp Laurel Hill. Although nearly obsolete by 1861, they could fire a six-pound projectile more than 1,500 yards. The muzzle blast and concussion alone were demoralizing. , Most Confederate earthworks here were filled in by Union troops in 1861., "Our position, on the crests of the hills, was protected by a ditch, with the bank thrown outwards, conforming to the outline of the hills we occupied, and by a few simple [log and earth defenses] for the artillery." , Col. William B. Taliaferro, 23rd Virginia Infantry C.S.A., "A six pounder was sent down the road and fired some six shots at a house which was occupied by the Yankees. The house was utterly destroyed." , James E. Hall, 31st Virginia Infantry C.S.A.