CARLINVILLE – After successful efforts to restore two Civil War flags, members of the Macoupin County Civil War Roundtable are working to restore a historic cannon on the grounds of the Macoupin County Courthouse.
The 1841 cannon, on the south side of the courthouse block, is a landmark. A new aluminum carriage will replace the current concrete mount and the barrel, a 6-pounder, will be restored.
Four members of the roundtable are spearheading the effort, including bookstore owner John Alexander of Virden, Civil War reenactor and collector Steve Hicks of Roodhouse and Carlinville businessmen Alan Ashby and Norman Crays.
“It’s an important part of the history of Macoupin County,” Ashby said. “I think it’s important to preserve this kind of history for everyone, to show where we came from and why we’re here.”
Ashby and the others are seeking historical background on the cannon. There is no serial number on the gun, which indicates that it was not a regulation Army piece. Ashby wonders if the cannon was used in the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, the Civil War or both.
“Some regiments bought artillery pieces for their own use,” Ashby said. “They weren’t regular Army equipment. This may be an example of that.”
The cost of the new aluminum carriage is estimated at $15,000, and total cost for the project may reach $25,000. Around $7,000 has been raised to date.
This is the third effort of the roundtable to preserve the area’s Civil War history. In 2012, a successful fundraising drive restored the national colors of the 122nd Illinois Infantry, a regiment composed mostly of Macoupin County men.
Late last year, the roundtable also completed an effort to restore the regimental colors of the 122nd Illinois. Both flags are now on display in the Macoupin County Courthouse.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to these projects,” said Crays. “The response has kind of overwhelmed us, and we really appreciate the support we’ve had.”
Donations for the cannon effort are being coordinated by the Macoupin County Community Foundation, which is working in conjunction with the roundtable. All donations are tax-deductible.
