Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Caption: Marker detail: Matchlock Arquebus
Additional Description: A single lead ball would have been the primary projectile fired from an arquebus, though it often came in handy as a club in hand-to-hand combat. The ball here is pictured at actual size, roughly .62 caliber.

The arquebus played a major role in Spanish warfare from the mid-1400s until circa 1700. This matchlock gun could fire a single lead ball, become a shotgun by loading it with shot sewn into small linen bags, or used for a club. When Spanish conquistadors were pitted against Native American foes, the natives did not line-up in rows like Europeans but learned to "duck" upon hearing the commands to load, take aim, and fire — "Fuego!" Warriors would then shoot arrows as the next Spanish line aimed to fire their rounds. Still, the sight, sound, and devastating effects of massed Spanish volley-fire must have been terrifying to native peoples.
Submitted: December 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Database Locator Identification Number: p630372
File Size: 1.387 Megabytes

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