Mule Gun - U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum - Ft. Sill, OK
Posted by: 
Max and 99
N 34° 39.943 W 098° 23.111
14S E 556330 N 3836145
U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum exhibit of the infamous Mule Gun, a gun intended to be fired from the back of a mule (it didn't work out so well!).
Waymark Code: WM9P04
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 09/11/2010
Views: 4
Definitely an epic FAIL in the eyes of everyone but the inventor, the Mule Gun was a gun attached to the back of a mule. The intent was for the cannon to be carried by the mule and fired by a lanyard.
The Mule Gun is on display at the US Army Field Artillery Museum in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. It is one of many wonderful indoor exhibits from a wide range of wars. There is no fee to enter the museum, and there are many outdoor exhibits to visit as well. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30-5; closed Sundays and Mondays, as well as Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2.
Enter Ft. Sill at Key Gate (exit 41 from I-44), and take an immediate right onto Randolph. Turn left at Corral into the museum parking lot.
Ask for a map when you enter Ft. Sill since there are many things to see here including Geronimo's grave, the Chief's Knoll at Post Cemetery, Cannon Row, and many other historical sites.
*Note, all visitors 16 and up may be required to show I.D. when they enter the base. Be prepared to have your car searched as well, depending on the level of security at the time of your visit.
Text on exhibit sign:
Experimental Mule Gun
ca. 1880
This 1-lb. rifled muzzle-loading gun was intended to be fired off the back of a mule. Unfortunately, the reaction of the mule to having a small cannon fired off its back was not fully considered. According to tradition, when the piece was tested, the mule broke loose, began to whirl around, scattering the alarmed witnesses, then the mule stepped on the lanyard and fired the piece itself. The force of the recoil is said to have knocked the mule "ass over teakettle" into a nearby river.
Army Mule
ca. 1930
One of the last Army mules in regular service, Wind River, was sent to a taxidermist after his death. Normally, taxidermists only mount big game or trophy animals so there was no form available for a mule. The taxidermist used what he thought was the closest animal, a zebra. The is why Wind River looks so unusual.
Price of Admission: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Weekday Hours: From: 8:30 AM To: 5:00 PM
Weekend Hours: From: 8:30 AM To: 5:00 PM
Roadside Attractions Website: [Web Link]
Location Website: [Web Link]
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