Types of Civil War Cannons

Civil War cannons could fire shells a distance of up to 3 miles.

A cannon could be a decisive weapon that determined whether an army would win or lose a battle during the Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate armies were eager to acquire the most technologically advanced cannons they could find. Often cannons were positioned in the rear of an advancing army and fired repeatedly as it moved forward to reinforce their line of attack.

12-Pounder Napoleon

Also known as the "Canon-obusier de 12," this cannon was originally named after the French emperor Napoleon III. It was capable of firing a ball, shell, canister or grapeshot of up to 12 pounds. It was the most commonly used cannon during the Civil War. This model was cast in bronze and is categorized as a smoothbore weapon, which means it was not a rifled weapon, or didn't have grooves cut into it.

The Dictator

This 13-inch, 17,000-pound mortar was employed during the siege of Petersburg, Virginia in 1864. It would be mounted on a railroad car and could fire a 200-pound explosive shell a distance of about 2.5 miles. The Union Army used the railroad car to both support the cannon's weight and easily transport its shells.

The Parrott Rifle

This cast-iron cannon was designed by Robert Parrott of the West Point Foundry and used by both the Union Army and Navy. The most characteristic aspect of this cannon is its reinforcing band of wrought iron, which encircles the breech of the gun. Unfortunately, although the cannon was extremely powerful, its muzzle would often burst. These cannons were manufactured in different sizes, ranging from 10 pounds to 300 pounds.

Blakely Rifle

This cannon was capable of firing 12-pound shells and was the first rifled cannon to be fired during combat on the North American continent. Most famously, it was fired on Fort Sumter by the Confederate forces in the attack that inaugurated the Civil War. It was used exclusively by the Confederates during the entirety of the war. A well-known type of the Blakely Rifle is the 7.5-inch caliber "Widow Blakely."

References

• History Net Shop: Civil War Cannon
• Civil War Artillery: Famous Cannons and Mortars
• Angel Fire: Historical Research Section
• Galena History Museum: History Highlights