I looked it up and found two really fine articles on what bis called the "Galena Blakely." I had no idea it had so much history. I'll have to go back the next time we're out in Galena, probably near the end of August for our 37th anniversary.
I'll have a whole new appreciation for it.
The first article is from Civil War Talk website under Famous Weapons.
It is a 12-pdr. Blakely Rifle with an 84-inch long steel tube and "may be one of the most historical, and most frequently misidentified Blakely's in the United States."
*** It is believed to have been used in the bombardment of Fort Sumter April 12, 1861.
*** It is also believed to be the first rifled cannon to be used in combat on the American continent.
*** And, it is believed to be the only rifled cannon to be used in that opening battle of the Civil War.
It was designed by British Captain Theophilus Alexander Blakely who designed a variety of his guns. When his government opted not to use his cannons, he sold quite a few to the Confederacy.
More Galena Blakely Coming. --Old B-Runner
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