Archaeologists at George Washington’s Ferry Farm reexamined a smashed can recovered from a previous excavation. X-rays show four rounds of ammunition resembling the shape of .58 caliber minié balls.

Although the contexts are a bit unclear, minié balls are commonly associated with the civil war battles. Ferry Farm was occupied by Union troops as early as 1862, which also coincided with a shift in armory suppliers.

In 1861, Harper’s Ferry Armory had succumbed to the control of Confederate troops, leaving Springfield as the sole provider of Union arms until 1862. Further analysis could determine if the bullets were the last supply from Harper’s Ferry or the first supply from Springfield Armory.

Source:

More Guns & Ammunition in Archaeology

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

