During the first day of Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, Rhode Island’s own Battery B, First Light Artillery was deployed in the defense of McPherson’s farm as divisions from both sides converged on the area. The website of the Secretary of State explains that this cannon was being loaded when it was struck by a Confederate round directly on the muzzle. It plugged the muzzle and the artillerymen were unable to dislodge it.
In 1874, the cannon was put on display at the statehouse in Providence. In 1962, alarmed personnel realized that the cannon had never been unloaded and it still contained active gunpowder. The National Guard removed the cannon, drilled a hole into the barrel, removed the powder, and returned it to the display, where visitors can no see it.
-via Futility Closet | Photo: Billy Hathorn
