Silver Springs in Lyon County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Field Artillery Caisson
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, November 21, 2024
1. Field Artillery Caisson Marker
From a French word meaning "large box," a caisson was a two-wheeled cart used by field artillery units during the Civil War to transport ammunition. It was attached to another two-wheeled cart, called a limber, by a long pole. This four-wheeled assembly or carriage was pulled by a team of six horses. The caisson carried two ammunition boxes, a spare limber pole and wheel, and various hand tools. Artillery men could ride on the ammunition boxes when speed was necessary, but the horses quickly fatigued with the added weight, so the men more commonly marched alongside the carriage.
The caisson on exhibit here has resided at Fort Churchill State Historic Park since the 1970s. It was meticulously restored in 2018 using donation money.
[caption] Line engraving of a caisson and limber used during the American Civil War. John Gibbon, The Artillerist Manual, 2nd. Ed, ca. 1863
Erected by Nevada State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military.
Location. 39° 17.655′ N, 119° 16.059′ W. Marker is in Silver
this page online
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: Fort Churchill National Historic Landmark (a few steps from this marker); The Pony Express (a few steps from this marker); Fort Churchill Historic State Monument (a few steps from this marker); Field Artillery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Post Cemetery (about 300 feet away); Laundresses' Quarters (about 600 feet away); Commander's Office (about 600 feet away); Storehouses (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Silver Springs.
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, November 21, 2024
2. Field Artillery Caisson Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 326 times since then and 75 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.
