Double Barreled Cannon

In Athens, Georgia there is a double barreled cannon sitting prominently in a local park. The cannon is a remnant of the American Civil War. It was an experimental weapon of its time and the cannon has never seen battle. John Gilleland was a dentist, mechanic, and builder. In 1862 he designed the cannon that now sits in the Athens square. The building costs were $350. The two barrels have a 3 degree difference and can shoot two cannon balls at the same time. The cannon balls are connected to a chain. The idea was to use the chain like a scythe in order to completely wipe out the enemy target.

The invention, however, was a failure. It was tested on April 22, 1862. Gilleland aimed it at two poles. Unfortunately the uneven combustion of powder and imperfect barrels meant the movement was off kilter. All three test shots failed. Still, Gilleland tried to get the confederate army to take his invention to war. He even went to Augusta to promote the cannon to no avail. In 1864, there was a false report that it was used to stop union soldiers near Monroe, Georgia.

The cannon is on display in front of City Hall as a landmark.