The US Military Academy was gracious enough to return the Armstrong gun tube to Fort Fisher a few years ago. Sadly, I didn't get to see it, but I did see the carriage that was made for it. I also was told the state site had plans to have a replica tube made and placed on that carriage.
In November 2004, the cannon arrived at Fort Fisher and remained on display until February 2006. That's the original gun tube that was at the fort when it fell. It weighs 16,000 pounds (sure glad I didn't have to pay the postage on that one).
The original carriage was described as almost being like house furniture. It was mahogany and rosewood with a high finish with brass fittings.
This was probably the first time since 1866 that an original cannon from the fort was back at it. The current 32-pdr at Sheppard's Battery is not an original.
That Would Have Been Something to See, an Actual Cannon from the Fort Returning to It.
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
