ML Artillery at Public School in Fresno - Static Artillery Displays on Waymarking.com

The piece is a muzzle-loading field cannon on an iron carriage. It is on the grounds of an active public school with a gated, fenced campus. Although the piece is easily visible and photographed from the street, close access was denied.

No markings are visible, but the piece is preserved with a heavy coat of black paint which may have obscured them. The carriage appears to be undersized for the weapon, and is likely not the original. Although I was unable to measure the bore I estimate that it is a 6-pounder, although that may be inaccurate.

Years ago I was told the cannon came from Fort Miller, a cavalry fort in the San Joaquin Valley that is also the school's namesake. Fort Miller was founded and built in 1851-52, and housed at various times elements of the Mariposa Battalion, the 1st US Dragoons, and the CA 2nd Infantry. The post was abandoned by 1866.

Surviving documents from Fort Miller mention only "two 12-pounder field howitzers," which given the fort's role were probably Model 1841 Field Howitzers (or, "Mountain Howitzers") which were common in California up to and during the Civil War. This gun was not mentioned in any surviving military documents, so its provenance cannot be stated with certainty.

Fort Miller Middle School can be found at 1302 E Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA

What type of artillery is this?: Muzzle-loading, possible 6-pounder. Where is this artillery located?: Government building What military of the world used this device?: All Artillery is no longer operational: yes Still may work: no Date artillery was in use: Not listed Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed Cost?: Not Listed Are there any geocaches at this location?: Not listed

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