Model 1861 8" Siege Howitzer

Manufactured by the Fort Pitt foundry in 1862, this Model 1861 8-inch siege howitzer originally cost $205.50 and was number 26 of 171 made, with only 73 surviving. Its barrel weighed 2602 pounds, and it fired a 46-pound projectile propelled by 4 pounds of black cannon powder. It was first mounted on a carriage that required 8 horses and 4 drivers to transport, and one gunner with 4 cannoneers operated it. At the request of a local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic, it was donated to Fort Seward in 1897. It had originally been mounted at the south gate of the historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, then was moved to the fort site in the mid 1920s to stand over the city. Its touch hole has been spiked for safety.

Jamestown, North Dakota · United States