Fort Benton and the Indian Wars
Designed by the U.S. Ordinance Department in 1861, it has smooth barrel lines, a new concept, rolled wrought iron instead of bronze was used in the barrel to reduce cost and production time. Its carriage is a standard six-pounder field gun type, and could rapidly be changed in case of broken parts.
The three-inch ordinance rifle gained fame in the Confederate Army for its accuracy. "Union gunners could hit the end of a flour barrel at a half mile more often than they missed." During the siege at Richmond, "Yankee gunners with the 3" rifle put shells through the ports of our ramparts at a mile with forbidding regularity.
The muzzle stampings show that this cannon was produced along with 1000 other barrels, at the Phoenix Iron Works in Phoenixville, PA. This particular barrel is no. 799 and was produced in 1864. Its sister cannon is at Gettysburg National Battlefield.
Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian.
Location. 47° 49.247′ N, 110° 39.84′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is on Front Street near 18th Street, on the left when traveling north. Located in front of the Museum of the Upper Missouri. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Benton Historic District (here, next to this marker); Steamboat Relics (here, next to this marker); Old Fort Benton (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Robe Fur Press (within shouting distance of this marker); War Dogs Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Benton – Fort MacLeod Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Engage's Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Montana Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.
More about this marker. There are 3 occurrences within the inscription of the word "ordinance" which should be spelled "ordnance" (no "i"). Ordnance was derived from ordinance centuries ago, but the words have distinct meanings. This is a common mistake.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on March 9, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
