Historical Collection Highlights

This 24-Pounder Howitzer showcases another class of artillery used during the American Revolution. The howitzer at this time was almost a cross between a cannon and a mortar. It could be fired either at a high angle or at a flat arc and was usually mounted on a field carriage. This meant that it could be used in a variety of situations. However, because of its shorter barrel and larger projectile it meant that it had less range than the typical cannon, but could be loaded with explosive shrapnel shells that could cause massive damage to enemies that were taking cover behind fortifications.

This howitzer is also notable because it is American made and is shows in its design. Unlike its French counterparts being used by the Continental Army, the tube has no ostentatious engravings, figures, or inscriptions. It is a simple tube that was used for warfare. As the war waged, more and more manufacturers were contracted to produce American made weaponry, but it was not enough. The demand for weaponry was vastly outgrowing the production capabilities of American manufacturers. The success of the Continental Army depended greatly on the thousands of small arms and artillery pieces that both the French and Spanish supplied throughout the war.