The US Army 24-Pounders, Pattern 1819, at Fort Branch
Two US Army 24-Pounders, Pattern 1819, are among the extraordinary collection of original cannons at Fort Branch near Hamilton, North Carolina. Along with the other cannons, they were thrown into the Roanoke River to prevent capture at the end of the American Civil War. All of the cannons were recovered from the Roanoke River in the 1970s.
The 32-Pounder of 57 Hundredweight at Fort Branch
A rifled and banded 32-Pounder of 57 Hundredweight is displayed at Fort Branch near Hamilton, North Carolina. The fort, which overlooks the Roanoke River and was built to counter any attempt by US Navy gunboats to press up river, was evacuated in April of 1865. The seven cannons recovered there (plus a fragment of a burst gun), remains of original carriages, projectiles, and other artifacts represent a truly remarkable collection of artillery connected with a single site and displayed there.
The 4.62-Inch Gibbon and Andrews Rifle of Fort Branch
The only (known) surviving 4.62-Inch Gibbon and Andrews Rifle is part of the remarkable collection of original artillery at Fort Branch near Hamilton, North Carolina. This Confederate siege rifle was recovered from the Roanoke River at Fort Branch in 1977 having been submerged since the fort was destroyed and abandoned in April of 1865. It was recovered still mounted on the remains of its siege and garrison carriage which is also on display in the Fort’s museum.
4-Inch Fawcett Preston Rifle at Fort Branch
A 4-Inch Rifle manufactured by Fawcett, Preston, and Company of Liverpool in 1862 is part of the extraordinary collection of artillery, carriages, and many other artifacts recovered from the Roanoke River near Fort Branch and presently displayed at the site in North Carolina.