Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Chatham Artillery's
"Washington Guns"
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 2008
1. Chatham Artillery "Washington Guns" Marker
An inscription on the British 6 pounder states that it was “surrendered by the capitulation of York Town Oct. 19, 1781.” The English cannon was cast in 1758 during the reign of George II and the royal insignia and motto of the Order of the Garter appear on its barrel.
The French gun was manufactured at Strasburg in 1756. On its elaborately engraved barrel appear the coat of arms of Louis XIV, the sun which was the emblem of that monarch, and a Latin inscription (which Louis XIV first ordered placed on French cannon) meaning “Last Argument of Kings.” The dolphins were emblematic of the Dauphin of France. The gun was individually named “La Populaire.”
Reminders of Americas hard-won struggle for independence and of the great man who led the Continental forces in the Revolution, the historic “Washington Guns” were placed on public display here through co-operation of the Chatham Artillery and the City of Savannah.
Erected 1982 by Georgia Historical Marker. (Marker Number 025-53.)
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.
Location. 32° 4.856′ N, 81° 5.427′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. It is on Bay Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Chatham Artillery's (here, next to this marker); Charles Blaney Cluskey (a few steps from this marker); Vaulting Through Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of the University Of Georgia (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern States Phosphate and Fertilizer Company (within shouting distance of this marker); One Building - Many Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Railroad & Bank Bldg. (within shouting distance of this marker); Savannah City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Related marker.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 13, 2014
2. Full view of the British six pounder
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 13, 2014
3. French gun inscription
The inscription at the top reads "Ultima Ratio Regum" or "Last Argument of Kings", followed by a symbol of a rose with thorns. A copy of this gun can also be seen at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.
Photographed by Frazier History Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
4. Reproduction of the French gun
Photographed by Shane Oliver, December 29, 2020
5. Chatham Artillery's Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 2008
6. “Washington Guns”
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton
7. Yorktown inscription on the British 6-pounder
The engraving is very light.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 13, 2014
8. Inscription on British 6-pounder
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 13, 2014
9. French gun markings
Here can be seen parts of the dolphin-shaped ornaments directly above the trunions, followed by the Louis XVI "Sun" emblem with the motto "Nec Pluribus Impar" (Not unequal to many), and finally a portion of the royal crest of the Bourbon dynasty.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,037 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 18, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 12, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 5. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 6. submitted on February 18, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 12, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
