Double-Barreled Cannon

Overview

The Double-Barreled Cannon was the brainchild of Dr. John Gilleland, a dentist from Jackson County, Ga., and a member of Mitchell’s Thunderbolts. Built in 1862 at the Athens Foundry and Machine Works, the Double-Barreled Cannon is today little more than a historical bookmark and a unique relic. The cannon was designed to fire two cannonballs connected by a chain so as to “mow down the enemy somewhat as a scythe cuts wheat.” According to one account, the cannon was tested at a site along Newton Bridge Road, but because the two barrels did not have the same range, the chain broke mid-air. According to some sources, one of the cannonballs killed a cow in a field nearby. According to several sources, including books and newspaper accounts, the cannon was not used in battle. According to a Confederate Veteran article, the cannon was used during a skirmish, though not as originally designed.

Quick Facts

Status

Existing

Locality or neighborhood

Athens

State or province

Georgia

Address

301 College Ave., Athens, GA 30601

Postal code

30601