Recently Renovated War Memorial

On May 17 2006, the voters at the annual town meeting voted to authorize funding to replace the carriage on the cannon at the War memorial on the library lawn. Paulson Bros. Ordnance Corp. of Wisconsin (a supplier for the National Park Service) was contracted to provide the much needed carriage. A powder coated cast marine aluminum carriage with steel hardware was recommended for outdoor display. This carriage has an estimated life span of over a hundred years.

The barrel was refinished to its original condition when it left the Hooper foundry in Boston in 1864. This cannon served in the Battle of Port Hudson La., which was where Francis E. Warren received the Medal of Honor for action in that battle. Mr. Warren was a Hinsdale resident who went on to become the Governor of Wyoming and the first U.S. Senator from that state. Sen. Warrens’ daughter Francis married John J.( Blackjack) Pershing , who was to become a General in WW I. Sen Warren arranged for the cannon to be donated to the town . It was dedicated in 1923.

The cannon is a Model 1857 Napoleon (12-pounder bronze field gun) of which only about 80 survive. The barrel alone weighs 1220 lbs and is made of “Gunmetal” bronze(a mixture of 90% copper and 10% tin).

I would like to thank the Selectmen and the Finance committee for their support with this project and Pete Gallant and his crew for their help with the installation of the new carriage. Also Peter Derby for his knowledge of metals and the fabrication of the anchors. Most of the credit goes to the voters of the town of Hinsdale for approving this project which will be with us for years to come.

                                                       Thank You

                                                         Richard Eastland                                                      War Memorial Curator