Silver Springs in Lyon County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Field Artillery
| | Fort Churchill State Historic Park | |
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, November 21, 2024
1. Field Artillery Marker
In the fall of 1864, Lieutenant Colonel Charles McDermit anxiously awaited the arrival of three mountain howitzers. What eventually arrived at Fort Churchill were three-inch Army ordnance rifles. These rifled cannons boasted improved accuracy and range but were considered useless for desert warfare because of their large size and unwieldiness. Just weeks after their arrival, the cannons were distributed to volunteer military units along the Comstock.
In 1883, the Army declared one of the three cannons unserviceable and disposed of it. The other two embarked on a series of moves between Carson City and Reno. Finally, in August 1977, the Nevada Division of State Parks acquired the cannons. With the assistance of the Nevada Army National Guard, they were returned to Fort Churchill.
Erected by Nevada State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 39° 17.701′ N, 119° 16.056′ W. Marker is in Silver Springs, Nevada, in Lyon County. It is on Fort Churchill Road, on the right when traveling west.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada and in Greater Reno Area. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Post Cemetery (here, next to this marker); The Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Churchill Historic State Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Churchill National Historic Landmark (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Field Artillery Caisson (about 300 feet away); Commander's Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); Officers' Quarters (approx. 0.2 miles away); Storehouses (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Silver Springs.
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, November 21, 2024
2. Field Artillery Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
