Livingston in Park County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
A Civil War Cannon:
Liberty and Union, Now and Forever
GAR members voted to include the above slogan, and the dates of the Civil War, 1861-1865, on the marble slab in front of the cannon when it was placed on there old courthouse lawn on May 11, 1912. A newspaper article from that day stated that it had seen service at Gettysburg and was later sent to General Nelson A. Miles.
The local Woman's Relief Corps, WRC, auxiliary group to the GAR, paid $10 for the carriage and was later reimbursed by the GAR. It was delivered free-of-charge to Livingston from Fort Harrison in Helena. The WRC raised money for its placement on the lawn of the old courthouse.
The national GAR was formed in 1866 on the principle of fraternity, charity, and loyalty. Members provided relief for veterans, worked for the accurate portrayal of the war in popular culture, and promoted nationalism.
Many servicemen and their families - from both North and South - migrated to the West after the Civil War. Veterans formed a post in Livingston in 1886, naming it in honor of David Glasgow Farragut, the first admiral of the US Navy.
The GAR faded away when its last member passed away in 1956. But the group laid the foundation for other veterans organizations.
The WRC, an organization of women, is still functioning today. Its members perpetuate the memory of the GAR, assist veterans of all wars, and maintain true allegiance to the US.
Material: Wrought Iron
Bore: 3.0"
Length: 69"
Weight: 820 lbs
Projectile: 9.5 lbs
Charge: 1.0 lb
Velocity: 1,215' per second
Range: 1,830 yds at 5º
Manufactured by the Phoenix Iron Company, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, the rifle barrels were produced using a unique rolling process, making them extremely durable and resistant to bursting.
Please visit the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, 118 W. Chinook St., 222-4184, for more information about these and other Park County veterans.
Erected by Yellowstone Gateway Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 45° 39.794′ N, 110° 33.38′ W. Marker is in Livingston, Montana, in Park County. Marker is at the intersection of South D Street and East Callender Street, on the right when traveling north on South D Street. The cannon is located at the corner of South D and East Callender Streets, next to the Park County Offices. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 South D Street, Livingston MT 59047, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Livingston Eastside Residential Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grabow Hotel (about 700 feet away); Livingston City Hall and Fire Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Mayne Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); 108 North Main Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 112 North Main Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harvat Block (approx. 0.2 miles away); Danforth Block (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livingston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 8, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.