Double Barrel Cannon | Athens City

The Double Barrel Cannon in Athens, Georgia is one of the most unusual and historically curious artifacts from the American Civil War era. Although it never saw combat, it stands as a testament to the innovation, eccentricity, and experimental engineering approaches born from desperation during wartime. Its backstory, design intentions, flawed execution, and current legacy combine to make it a unique landmark in the southern United States.

Historical Context and Origin

In 1863, during the height of the Civil War, Athens, Georgia—then a relatively small but intellectually vibrant town—was home to various patriotic initiatives aimed at aiding the Confederate cause. One such initiative came from John Gilleland, a 53-year-old private in the local militia unit known as the Mitchell Thunderbolts, composed mostly of older men and boys who were not enlisted in active combat.

Gilleland was a man of strong inventive spirit and believed he could enhance the Confederacy’s artillery capabilities through a bold new concept: a cannon with two parallel barrels capable of firing two cannonballs simultaneously, tethered by a chain. His aim was simple yet ambitious: to create a weapon that could mow down ranks of enemy soldiers or cavalry, effectively functioning like a giant airborne scythe.

He proposed that the cannonballs, chained together, would spin through the air in unison and horizontally slice through anything in their path. The concept was not entirely new—chain shot had been used in naval warfare to destroy sails and rigging—but it had never been effectively adapted for use in field artillery against personnel or cavalry.

Construction and Specifications

Material: Cast iron

Weight: Over 1,300 pounds

Design: Two barrels, set side by side on a single mounting carriage

Barrel Length: Approximately 3 feet long

Caliber: Designed to fire 6-pound balls

Intended Use: Fire two cannonballs attached by a chain, spinning rapidly for maximum horizontal destruction.

Gilleland personally financed the construction of the cannon, spending roughly $350, a considerable amount for a private citizen at the time. The cannon was cast by the Athens Steam Company, a local ironworks.

Testing and Immediate Failure

Despite Gilleland's enthusiasm, the cannon was plagued with a fundamental design flaw: it was impossible to fire both barrels at exactly the same time using 1860s-era technology. Even a slight difference in ignition timing caused the cannonballs to spin erratically or break the chain immediately upon firing.

A now-famous test of the cannon took place in a nearby field:

When fired, the uneven detonation caused the chain to whip violently.

The cannonballs did not follow a controlled, straight path. Instead, the connected balls tore through a field, killed a cow, destroyed a tree, and reportedly demolished a chimney on a nearby cabin.

The demonstration made it immediately clear that the cannon was not safe or reliable for battlefield use.

Despite these spectacular failures, Gilleland attempted to promote the weapon to Confederate military authorities. Unsurprisingly, the weapon was rejected for combat use and never deployed.

Symbolism and Historical Irony

Although a military failure, the Double Barrel Cannon was never discarded. Instead, it became something of a local curiosity and source of pride. Over time, its notoriety grew not as a weapon of war, but as a symbol of inventive spirit and local heritage. It has been said to reflect both the ingenuity and desperation of the Southern war effort.

After the war, the cannon was preserved, likely due to its unique construction and story. It was mounted on display and has remained a permanent fixture in downtown Athens.

Current Location and Public Display

Location: On the lawn in front of Athens City Hall, at the intersection of College Avenue and East Hancock Avenue.

Orientation: The cannon is pointed north—intentionally symbolic, as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the historical Union enemy during the Civil War.

Signage: A historical plaque near the cannon explains its origin, design, and history for visitors.

It has become a staple of walking tours, student orientation tours at the nearby University of Georgia, and local folklore. The cannon is one of the most photographed and talked-about historical items in Athens, Georgia.

Cultural and Educational Significance

While the Double Barrel Cannon never changed the course of any battle, its story provides an accessible, tangible example of:

Civil War-era inventiveness and homegrown military engineering.

The trial-and-error nature of wartime innovation.

The ways in which local history can survive through preservation of artifacts, even failed ones.

Its legacy lies not in destruction, but in the enduring human spirit of problem-solving—even if that solution proves impractical or dangerous.

In summary, the Double Barrel Cannon of Athens, Georgia, is a bizarre, fascinating artifact that reflects the intersection of Civil War urgency, local ingenuity, and mechanical ambition. Though never functional as a weapon, it remains a lasting emblem of a uniquely American historical moment—where one man’s bold, if flawed, dream still fires the imagination of generations.