Savannah, Georgia – A significant piece of Revolutionary War history has resurfaced after being submerged for over two hundred years, just as America prepares for its 250th anniversary.
Nineteen cannons recovered from the Savannah River were revealed on Thursday at the Savannah History Museum. These cannons had spent nearly 240 years underwater.
Nora Fleming Lee, CEO of the Coastal Heritage Society, noted, “This is the largest collection of 18th-century cannons found together from a single maritime period of the Revolutionary War.” She emphasized the importance of this discovery, not just locally but on a national scale.
The cannons were unearthed by crews from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2021 during dredging operations intended for a large cargo ship.
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“They retrieved a total of 19 cannons, with over a dozen being small artifacts. The cannons were covered in concrete, oyster shells, and various marine life,” Fleming-Lee shared.
Some of the cannons were still filled with shells, gunpowder, and other small items when found.
After their recovery, most of the cannons were sent to Texas A&M University for cleaning and preservation work.
“They used electric currents in a water tank to remove the salt from the steel, stabilizing the iron for land display,” Fleming-Lee explained. “Then they received treatments like acid cleaning, waxing, and spa treatments to ensure their longevity.”
Out of the 19 cannons, 17 were restored, while the remaining two were left in their original condition for comparative purposes.
All 19 pieces are now on permanent display as part of the new exhibit titled “Loyalists and Freedom: The Savannahs of the American Revolution.”
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Historians suggest these cannons were sunk just prior to the Siege of Savannah in 1779, when the city was under British control.
“We believe these cannons were among the last of several ships sunk in the river to obstruct the French fleet from advancing and reclaiming Savannah for the Americans,” Fleming-Lee remarked.
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The cannon sank only weeks before the Battle of Savannah, one of the war’s bloodiest confrontations, which resulted in over 800 casualties in less than an hour. Notably, this battle occurred right where the Savannah History Museum is now located.
The Savannah Battle Monument is located next to the Savannah History Museum.
“These cannons serve as tangible artifacts of our revolution,” Fleming-Lee explained. “Through this exhibit, we are expanding Georgia’s narrative of the war, focusing on the naval events and including perspectives of often overlooked groups.”
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This new exhibit aims to tell the story of Savannah’s contributions to America’s founding, showcasing perspectives from five unique historical figures, including Native Americans, free individuals, enslaved persons, women, and children.
