Dover, Tenn.–You just never know what you might find on the side of the road around here.
Stewart County Sheriff’s Office inmates and Correctional Officers picking up litter Saturday discovered a Civil War cannon ball.
While working on Hwy.149 near Cumberland City inmates picked up what was later determined to be a Civil War cannon ball. The object was found half buried and was picked up by the inmates.
According to Sheriff Frankie Gray, Lt. Sandy Webster realized that it was more than a metal ball when it was found.
The Sheriff’s Office contacted Fort Campbell and an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit was sent to Stewart County to examine the object. It was determined by the Ordinance Unit that the object was indeed a Civil War cannon ball although it contained no powder of explosive charge.
According to the EOD Unit this cannon ball was meant to be used by placing it in a canister along with other cannon balls the same size and placed in a cannon and fired. The theory is something similar to shooting buckshot out of a shotgun only on a larger scale.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to thank Fort Campbell on their quick response and willingness to provide assistance.
Stewart County Sheriff’s Office photo.