New Cannon Dedicated at Fort Macon

Yesterday I took part in a dedication ceremony for a new cannon at Fort Macon State Park. Now, anytime one of our historic sites gets a new cannon its a big deal because the things aren't cheap, but this one is even a little bit more special. This cannon represents a collaboration between the park and the Industrial Technologies program at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro. Instructors and students at the college built the aluminum carriage for the cannon because traditional wooden carriages had proven unable to survive the brutal conditions of this coastal fortification. The new cannon is a reproduction of a Model 1841 Navy 32-pounder, a type that was used at Fort Macon. The college is committed to build more carriages for the park, and of course we're hoping that the park can come up with the money to buy barrels for them. It was a great day for everyone involved. And speaking of Fort Macon State Park, if you haven't been there in a while it is well worth the visit. The new visitors center is really awesome, the orientation video is second to none, and the brand new exhibits are top notch. And of course, don't forget to take a stroll around the fort and the exhibits inside the fort.Photo from the Carteret County News-Times, 1/30/11