Grand Rapids, Ohio - 3-Inch Gun #643
Posted by: 
Scouter Joe
N 41° 24.767 W 083° 51.847
17T E 260619 N 4588540
Located in a small park in Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Waymark Code: WM6451
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 03/30/2009
Views: 8
?This is a 3-inch gun M9A1 built at the Rock Island Arsenal in 1944.
The Rock Island Arsenal comprises 946 acres (3.8 km²), located on Arsenal Island, originally known as Rock Island, on the Mississippi River between the cities of Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. It lies within the state of Illinois. The island was originally established as a government site in 1816 - with the building of Fort Armstrong. It is now the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the United States.[3] It has been an active manufacturer of military equipment and ordnance since the 1880s. In 1919-20 100 of the Anglo-American or Liberty Mark VIII (tank) were manufactured, although too late for World War I.
Established as both an arsenal and a center for the manufacture of leather accoutrements and field gear, today it provides manufacturing, logistics, and base support services for the Armed Forces. The Arsenal is the only active US Army foundry, and manufactures ordnance and equipment, including artillery, gun mounts, recoil mechanisms, small arms, aircraft weapons sub-systems, grenade launchers, weapons simulators, and a host of associated components.[4] Some of the Arsenal's most successful products include the M198 and M119 towed howitzers, and the M1A1 gun mount. About 250 military personnel and 6,000 civilians work there. The 2000 census population was 145.
During the Civil War, Arsenal Island was home to a large Union army prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers (the Rock Island Prison Barracks). A total of 1,964 Confederate prisoners and 125 Union guards are buried in the adjacent military cemetery, including 49 members of the 108th Regiment of United States Colored Troops, most of which died from disease or exposure. The prison camp was operational from December 1863 until July 1865 when the last prisoners were freed and sent home. During its two years in operation, the prison camp housed over 12,400 different Confederates. Following the war, the government retained ownership of Arsenal Island and used it for various functions.
Other historical sites in the area include the Confederate Cemetery, the Rock Island National Cemetery, 19th century stone workshops, officers' quarters along the river, Col. Davenport's House, and the site of the first bridge built across the Mississippi.
Where is this artillery located?: Park
What military of the world used this device?: United States
Date artillery was in use: 01/01/1944
Artillery is no longer operational: yes
What type of artillery is this?: Not listed
Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed
Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed
Cost?: Not Listed
Still may work: Not Listed
Are there any geocaches at this location?: Not listed
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