Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The First Breech Loading Cannon
Historic Relic of Civil War
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 25, 2017
1. The First Breech Loading Cannon Marker
Made by Confederate States Naval Iron Works Columbus, Ga. - 1863
Cannon was made from wheel shaft of river steamer John C. Calhoun. Designed by Capt. Wm. J. McAlister steam boat capt. and civil engr. Machine work by Freeman C. Stewart. Trunnion was broken off by Gen. Wilson's raiders to prevent its further use. The Columbus Iron Works Co. est. 1853 was the C.S. Naval Iron Works during the Civil War.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 32° 28.01′ N, 84° 58.418′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. Memorial is on Wynnton Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker and cannon are outside of the Columbus Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1315 Wynnton Rd, Columbus GA 31906, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Columbus Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Wynnton Community (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bradley Olmsted Garden (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Elms (approx. half a mile away); William H. Spencer High School (approx. half a mile away); “Columbus Stockade Blues” (approx.
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Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A marker at the former Columbus Iron Works that mentions the cannon.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 25, 2017
2. The First Breech Loading Cannon Marker
An additional marker about the cannon. It reads:
Breech-loading cannon made by Confederate Naval Iron Works, 1863
The Columbus Iron Works on the banks of the Chattahoochee River produced the majority of Confederate artillery during the Civil War. Engineer W.J. McAlister used part of the sunken steamboat John C. Calhoun to create this cannon, the only Confederate breech-loading cannon ever made, as a potential defense for the city. Though it was never used due to its strong recoil in tests, this weapon still offers an example of Columbus residents' ingenuity.
Gift of the W.C. Bradley Company G.2016.24
Breech-loading cannon made by Confederate Naval Iron Works, 1863
The Columbus Iron Works on the banks of the Chattahoochee River produced the majority of Confederate artillery during the Civil War. Engineer W.J. McAlister used part of the sunken steamboat John C. Calhoun to create this cannon, the only Confederate breech-loading cannon ever made, as a potential defense for the city. Though it was never used due to its strong recoil in tests, this weapon still offers an example of Columbus residents' ingenuity.
Gift of the W.C. Bradley Company G.2016.24
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 25, 2017
3. The First Breech Loading Cannon and Marker
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 25, 2017
4. The First Breech Loading Cannon Marker
The cannon and markers are outside of the Columbus Museum, seen here in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 9, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
