Phoenixville in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Griffen Cannon and Memorial
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
1. The Griffen Cannon and Memorial
One of 1400 guns made at Phoenix Iron
Company Shops between 1860 and 1865.
Invented by John Griffen
These 3 inch wrought iron rifled field
pieces served the Union forces with great
merit during the Civil War.
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My Brothers
Walking over this hill leaving the past behind us and now begin our journey forward, looking toward the future.
I walk between my brothers. One has been loyal to the South, the other the North. I stand a little closer to my brother in gray because to me he is a little taller in his defeat. Looking toward him is my brother in blue. He does not wear the gloating smile of a victor, but shows instead the warm, understanding smile of a loving brother.
As we walk homeward, we pass by a damaged tree. In the next few years it will grow sparingly, then die. In its stead a new sprout will be given birth from the roots of the old, and in place of the damaged tree a young, vibrant one will live to grow tall and strong. Also, the war-ravaged farmhouse, which once was useful and proud, will be rebuilt by the hands of the hopeful.
And so, life goes on and time heals. As tomorrow becomes yesterday and the future becomes the past, our family
this page online
These things I know, because these are my brothers.
Mural Painted by Joseph C. Hennesy
Griffen Gun Memorial
Dedicated as Phoenixville's
Civil War Centennial
Celebration May 11, 1963
This building was erected and given
to the Borough of Phoenixville by
the Phoenixville Lions Club.
The Griffen Gun was given to the
Borough by the Phoenix Steel Corp.
Many other donations were received
from various organizations and individuals.
Erected 1963 by Phoenix Steel Corporation, Phoenixville Lions Club and Concerned Citizens and Organization.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Industry & Commerce • Military • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1974.
Location. 40° 7.675′ N, 75° 30.832′ W. Marker is in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Third Avenue, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Memorial is near the SW corner of Reeves Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Phoenixville PA 19460, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
2. My Brothers
Also see . . . Phoenix Iron Company. (Submitted on October 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
3. My Brothers Mural
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
4. The Griffen Gun Memorial Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
5. The Griffen Cannon and Memorial
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
6. The Griffen Cannon and Memorial
Path leads northeast toward statue of David Reeves at center of park.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
7. Cannon Memorial Near Griffen Gun Memorial
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
8. Cannon to left of Griffen Cannon and Memorial
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2009
9. Cannon Muzzle Markings
The markings indicate this rifled cannon was produced in 1866, with registry number 1039, weihing over 1000 pounds. It was among the last of its type produced.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,705 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
