"At the beginning of the Civil War, the bronze-barreled smoothbore cannon dominated the artillery. Soon, the Ordnance Department began to develop "rifled" artillery that created a more accurate and deadly weapon. The teamwork of the crew kindled a fierce comradeship and loyalty to the gun. An experienced artillery crew could load and fire a field piece every 30 seconds. Artillery was used on the field of battle, along the seacoast and rivers, and the siege of cities. One of the most famous siege guns was called the "Dictator," and was used at the siege of Petersburg, Virgina."

Part of a Civil War exhibit at Greenfield Village in Michigan during the Civil War Remembrance event.

~ harui