Fort Montgomery in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
32-Pounder
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
1. 32-Pounder Marker
The modern cannon beside you is an accurate reproduction of a ca. 1760-1780 English 32-pounder cannon. The term “32-pounder” refers to the weight of the cannonball, not the cannon itself, which weighs nearly 6,000 pounds. The casting for this reproduction cannon barrel is based on an original English 32-pounder on display at New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. The carriage is based on drawings of English carriages typical of the period.
It is not known where the Americans obtained Fort Montgomery’s six 32-pounders. The guns were brought to the fort by water and the hauled up to the Grand Battery by oxen and struggling soldiers. The fate of the 32-pounders after the battle is also uncertain, although documents suggest that the British may have taken them away by ship before destroying the fort.
Erected by Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Heritage New York, and the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 41° 19.436′ N, 73° 59.166′ W. Marker is in Fort Montgomery, New York, in Orange County. Marker is in Fort Montgomery State Historic Site on the walking
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Naval Battle of Fort Montgomery (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Naval Battle of Fort Montgomery (here, next to this marker); Grand Battery (a few steps from this marker); Three Sisters Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gardens of the Fort (about 300 feet away); Powder Magazine (about 300 feet away); Fort Montgomery Today (about 400 feet away); Building a Fort (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Montgomery.
More about this marker. The top of the marker features a “Drawing of the basic elements of an 18th-century English cannon.” These include the Cascable, Vent, First Reinforce, Second Reinforce, Chase, Muzzle and Trunnions.
The bottom portion of the marker contains a picture of two American soldiers, holding a Worm and a Sponge, with a cannon between them. Surrounding this picture are illustrations of the various equipment needed to use the gun. Among these are a Rammer “to force the charge down the gun’s barrel”, Sponge “to extinguish burning embers before loading the next charge”, Worm “for extracting lodged matter from the gun”, Spike “for
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
2. Marker in Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
This 32-pounder cannon is one of several guns located at the Grand Battery in Fort Montgomery State Historic Site.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This series of markers follow the walking tour of the Fort Montgomery Battlefield.
Also see . . . The Battle of Fort's (sic) Montgomery and Clinton. The American Revolutionary War website entry (Submitted on May 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
3. Grand Battery
The Grand Battery, where the marker is located, is one of the stops on the walking trail at Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Other stops include the remains of earthworks and fort buildings.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 10, 2015
4. Marker at Fort Montgomrty's Grand Battery.
Artillerymen from Motts Artillery march past the 32-Pounder and marker on the Grand Battery at Fort Montgomery.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,664 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on October 11, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
