Great Discoveries: Archaeologist Finds Civil War Artillery Shell – WorthPoint

The Battle of Gettysburg has been studied extensively over the years. Many archaeologists are still learning new things about the battle—and one archaeologist found an artillery shell at the battlefield.

Archaeologist Steven Brann unearthed a ten-pound, bullet-shaped artillery shell at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, according to Smithsonian Magazine. He discovered the shell while sweeping the ground with a metal detector ahead of planned construction at the park.

At the time of the discovery, Brann’s metal detector alerted him about the presence of something beneath the ground. Brann said he initially thought he would find Minié balls (hollow-based bullets) and percussion caps, both of which he had previously discovered under the ground at Gettysburg.

Brann started digging and, soon after, saw the shell and realized that it was intact. At this point, Brann laid the shell gently on the ground, photographed it, and “ran for the hills.”

Following the discovery, park officials requested help from the Army’s 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, which sent explosive experts to the scene. From here, these experts brought the seven-inch shell to a remote part of the park and detonated it safely.

The shell was considered to be a “rare find,” park spokesperson Michael E. Ruane told The Washington Post. This shell dates back to the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place July 1–3, 1863.

To date, only five Civil War artillery shells of this type have been discovered at Gettysburg, but artillery shells have been found at other Civil War battlefields.

Those who want to view more Civil War memorabilia and artifacts relating to the Battle of Gettysburg can see tens of thousands of such items in the WorthPoint Price Guide.

Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website. 

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