Full Breakdown
Revolutionary-Era Cannons Resurface for Savannah’s 250th-Anniversary Exhibit
6/3/2026, 11:53:21 PM
Historical Context: British Scuttling and the 1779 Siege
British forces occupied Savannah in fall 1779 and scuttled at least six ships in the river to block an approaching French fleet. The subsequent siege produced roughly 300 colonial casualties, the bloodiest battle in the city.
Discovery and Initial Recovery
The cannons were first uncovered in 2021 when a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging vessel retrieved a cannon from the riverbed. Subsequent dredging uncovered two more, leading to a total of 19 guns lifted over the following year.
Recovery and Museum Transfer
On 3 June 2026, Savannah History Museum staff moved 17 iron cannons recovered from the Savannah River to display mounts. The guns, sunk during the American Revolution, will be exhibited over the Fourth of July weekend.
Key Participants and Institutions
The recovery involved a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging operation, archaeologist Andrea Farmer, museum curator Samantha Moss, and Texas A&M University’s Conservation Research Lab led by professor Chris Dostal, with London artillery experts consulted.
Data and Physical Characteristics
Nineteen cannons were lifted; seventeen will be displayed, each up to 1,500 lb (680 kg). Radiocarbon dating of wooden plugs places them in the late 1700s. Three match British casting; others show French design, possibly American-made.
Official Statements and Institutional Responses
Museum officials described the mounts as “giant wine racks.” Archaeologist Farmer noted the cannons appear “brand new” and could be fired. Texas A&M conservators said most pieces are in “exceptional” condition after cleaning.
Conflicting Reports and Remaining Gaps
Sources differ on total recovered guns—some cite 19, the museum plans to exhibit 17. Origins remain uncertain: three British, others French-style but unmarked, and no engravings link them to specific scuttled vessels.
Significance and Public Impact
The exhibit coincides with Savannah’s 250th-anniversary, providing tangible insight into Revolutionary-War defenses and riverine tactics. It also highlights modern underwater-archaeology methods and collaborative preservation across federal, academic, and museum partners.
Upcoming Exhibit and Future Research
The new exhibition opens the Fourth of July weekend, featuring two untouched cannons and the restored 17. Researchers will conduct metallurgical testing and archival comparison to identify the scuttled ships and resolve provenance gaps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They could pretty much be fired if someone wanted to.” — Andrea Farmer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers archaeologist
- “Our great team has been prepping for months -- building mounts and planning how we can safely display these very large, very special artifacts,” — Samantha Moss, museum curator
- “A lot of them have scour marks on the side from anchors or dredging, so there’s some scarring on the cannons,” — Chris Dostal, professor of nautical archaeology, Texas A&M University
- “You're trying to piece it together as best as you can.” — Andrea Farmer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers archaeologist
