Fairbanks in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
3-inch Field Gun, Model of 1902
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
1. 3-inch Field Gun, Model of 1902 Marker
This field gun is an American design. It was the US Army's first steel, rifled, breech loading, and recoiling field gun. In the fall of 1902, work on the new 3-inch field artillery was started. Interchangeability, as far as practicality of parts made at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois began with the manufacture of this new 3-inch field artillery piece.
Three models existed, but official records classed them all as the Model 1902. A total of 181 of the Model of 1902 were manufactured, 40 of the Model of 1904 were built, and 340 of the Model 1905 were produced. The models of 1902, 1904, and 1905 guns were all interchangeable with the model of 1902 carriage.
The Model of 1902 gun was fielded in Pershing's 1916-17 Mexican Punitive Expedition, but was not fired in combat. In use from 1905 to 1917, the Model of 1902 was extensively used in training artillerymen stateside during the First World War. It was phased out in the 1920s.
The 3-inch Field gun was preserved by the Pioneers of Alaska in 2022.
▶ Ammunition: Shrapnel or Explosive
▶ Shell Weight: 15 Pounds
▶ Muzzle Velocity: 1700 ft/sec Effective
▶Range: 6500 yards
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▶ Maximum Range: 8500 yards
▶ Maximum Rate of Fire: 15 rounds/minute
Erected by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation, and Pioneers of America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 64° 50.298′ N, 147° 46.309′ W. Marker is in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Fairbanks North Star Borough. It can be reached from Airport Way. Marker and gun are in Pioneer Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks AK 99701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor, in the Athabascan Region, and in Interior Alaska. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Packet Steamer (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Young Homestead Replica
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
2. 3-inch Field Gun, Model of 1902 Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Harding Car (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . 3-inch M1902 field gun at Wikipedia. (Submitted on September 12, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
3. 3-inch Field Gun, Model of 1902
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 12, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
