In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists unearthed an unexploded Civil War artillery shell at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (KEMO) in Georgia last month. This rare find has sparked a lively debate among history enthusiasts, as authorities must now decide whether to safely detonate the 157-year-old ordnance, potentially destroying a valuable piece of history in the process.
The Unexpected Discovery
The discovery was made during a routine survey conducted by archaeologists and volunteers from the National Park Service’s Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC). While searching the park grounds ahead of a planned hiking trail project, the team used metal detectors to uncover various historical artifacts, including buttons and buckles from Civil War-era uniforms. However, the most significant find was an intact, ten-pound Parrott shell, a type of artillery round commonly used during the American Civil War.
The Dilemma: Preservation or Detonation?
The discovery of the unexploded shell has presented local authorities with a challenging decision. The Cobb County Bomb Squad was immediately called in to carefully remove the ordnance from its resting place, ten inches underground. The technicians then transported the shell to a secure storage bunker, where they plan to countercharge it in order to safely detonate the explosive.
This decision, however, has sparked controversy among history enthusiasts. Some argue that the shell could be preserved and displayed as a significant historical artifact, providing a tangible connection to the events of the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War. Heath Jones, a former law enforcement officer and the co-founder of the History Seekers Facebook page, suggests that the shell could be safely handled and preserved, as the black powder inside is unlikely to ignite once it has become wet over time.
The Importance of the Atlanta Campaign
The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a testament to the significance of the Atlanta Campaign, a series of influential clashes that took place in northern Georgia in 1864. The battle fought at Kennesaw Mountain was a crucial part of this campaign, which ultimately forced the Confederates to surrender the city of Atlanta. This victory boosted morale among Union troops and helped secure the reelection of President Abraham Lincoln, a pivotal moment in the course of the Civil War.
The Delicate Balance: Preserving History and Ensuring Safety
The decision to detonate the unexploded shell is not an easy one, as it requires balancing the desire to preserve a unique historical artifact with the imperative to ensure public safety. The Cobb County Bomb Squad has stated that controlled detonation is the only way to guarantee the weapon’s harmlessness, as there is no safe way to render the live explosives inside the shell without the risk of accidental detonation.
The discovery of the unexploded Civil War artillery shell at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has ignited a thought-provoking debate about the best way to approach such historical finds. While the preservation of these artifacts is undoubtedly valuable, the safety of the public must remain the top priority.
As authorities work to carefully detonate the shell, the controversy serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between honoring the past and ensuring the well-being of the present. This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of managing our shared heritage in a responsible and thoughtful manner.
