Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Ladies Defender

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017

1. Ladies Defender Marker

Inscription. A muzzle loading cannon cast in Columbus in 1861 from brass contributed by the ladies of the city from their domestic furnishings and utensils. Used about a year in the Confederate Artillery, it was captured by Federal troops at Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1862 and was probably used by them against the Confederate forces. For a number of years, Ladies Defender was exhibited as a war trophy in an armory in Chicago. It was there seen by R. Dan McEachery, of Columbus, who wrote L. H. Chappell, captain of the Columbus Guards. The gun was later placed in the National Cemetery at Shiloh, Tenn. An effort was initiated by Columbus to have the gun restored to its home city. In 1904, by an Act of Congress, Ladies Defender was returned to the City of Columbus.

Erected 1955 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 106-20.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1862.

Location. 32° 27.881′ N, 84° 59.491′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. Marker is at the intersection of East 10th Street and 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling

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east on East 10th Street. Located in front of the Columbus Government Center and across from the Springer Opera House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East 10th Street, Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Confederate Hospitals (a few steps from this marker); Springer Opera House (a few steps from this marker); POW✯MIA Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Jacket (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Georgia's Woman Suffrage Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Primus King and the Civil Rights Movement (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Thomas H. Brewer (about 400 feet away); Columbus Symphony Orchestra (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Regarding Ladies Defender. The Columbus Iron Works (now a convention and trade center on Front Avenue) manufactured all manner of armaments including cannons, munitions, and two gunboats. Tucked away on the second floor is a “Historic Display,” a dimly lit room accessible only to visitors behind a glass wall. There you can get a glimpse of the “Ladies Defender,” the mobile cannon cast from brass objects collected by the women of Columbus and melted in the foundry.

The view West, of intersection of 10th Street and 1st Avenue. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 4, 2017

2. The view West, of intersection of 10th Street and 1st Avenue.

The "Ladies Defender" at the Columbus, Georgia Convention and Trade Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 27, 2017

3. The "Ladies Defender" at the Columbus, Georgia Convention and Trade Center

The photo is vaguely blurry as it is taken through both glass and a wire mesh. The historic display is on the second floor of the Convention Center.

The "Ladies Defender" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 27, 2017

4. The "Ladies Defender"

A view of the 'historic display' at the Columbus, Georgia Convention and Trade Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, December 27, 2017

5. A view of the 'historic display' at the Columbus, Georgia Convention and Trade Center

Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 20, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.