Double Barrel Cannon, Athens, Georgia

 

“There is no judge more equitable than a cannon.”

Unknown

One of the many must see sites when you are in Athens, Georgia is the one of a kind double barrel cannon located at the corner of College Avenue and East Hancock Avenue. This unusual looking cannon sits proudly on the north lawn of Athens-Clarke County City Hall. The beautiful city hall in Athens was constructed on 1845 and is a gorgeous building that at one time was used as meat market and jail.

The double barreled cannon was designed by John Gilleland, a dentist, builder, and mechanic from Athens, Georgia during the Civil War as an experimental weapon and was built at the Athens Foundry and Machine Works in December 1862 for a cost of $350. The double six-pounder cannon was cast all in one piece. Each of the barrels had its own touch hole, so they could fire each side independently from the other and a common hole in the middle to force a simultaneous firing of both sides at once. The diameter of the bore is 3.67 inch and weighs 1300 pounds.

During that time, Athens was afraid they would be attacked by northern forces so they wanted protection. John’s idea was that you would load the cannon with two balls that would be connected with a chain. The thought was when they were fired, the ball and chain would fly out and cut down enemies who were in its path like a missile.

Unfortunately, when the cannon was tested on Newton Bridge Road in April 1862, it didn’t work so well and was considered uncontrollable. When fired, the two barrels didn’t fire at the same time but with a delay causing many issues. During the testing, one witness said the projectile “had a circular motion, plowed up an acre of ground, tore up a cornfield, and mowed down saplings. The chain broke and the two cannon balls went in opposite directions. All witnesses scattered." 

During a second firing, the cannonballs flew into a pine forest leaving a large gap in the thick woods.

 On the third try, the chain broke immediately with one cannonball hitting a nearby house and knocking down their chimney and the other hitting and killing a cow. After all that, Gilleland still thought his invention was a success and tried to sell it to the Confederates. He couldn’t sell it.

Later, it was used as a signal in Athens to warn the townsmen that the Yankees were coming. It was a false signal. This cannon never saw battle and as legend has it, it disappeared in 1891 and didn’t show back up till 1895-1898. It was found by a 13 year of boy in a bunch of debris. He sold it to a junk store for $4.00. It was later sold to the city of Athens for $5.00.

The cannon is currently located on the north end of city hall with the barrel of the gun facing north as a warning against northern aggression. The cannon has been featured in “Ripley’s Believe it or Not.” It is one of the most popular attractions to see in Athens, Georgia.

I "cannon" think of a better thing to see. Till next time. Bye for now.