CSS Neuse

The Neuse River in Kinston, North Carolina.

On November 16, 2002, we went to the Civil War activities at the historic site of the CSS Neuse. As we arrived at the site, we noticed many tents surrounding the Neuse River. Campfires were sizzling and the aroma of coffee was in the air. The travelers had their picture taken with some of the re-enactors and much information was exchanged between them. The high light of the event was the discharging of cannons.

The first was a 12lb. Mountain Howzer that could be taken apart and hauled on 2 pack horses. Not many were used during the Civil War, but they were very popular during the Indian Wars on the plains. They shot 12lb cannon balls. This particular cannon was not very loud, but did pack a punch.

The second cannon was a 12lb bronze, also known as the Napoleon. It also shot 12lb cannon balls. This one rocked the ground and we thought we were certainly going to fall over ourselves! The smoke was so thick that you'd think you could cut it with a knife and lingered quite a while around us. It took three tries for this cannon to fire. It misfired twice before "the third was a charm" fired.

The third cannon was a 6lb. It was used mostly during the Mexican-American War and was obsolete when the Civil War happened, but because there were so many left over after the Mexican-American War, they were used during the Civil War. It was a little louder than the Mountain Howser, but fairly "easy" on the ears.

We stayed about four hours, then decided we were wet enough and journeyed home. It took us about twenty minutes to get to the house, but we quickly warmed up with hot chocolate and a warm fire.
Click on the picture, or the link to page 2 below, to go to the photos from our trip to the CSS Neuse Activities.

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