The Savannah River has once again proven to be a treasure trove of historical artifacts, as the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District recently completed the monumental task of raising twelve Revolutionary War-era cannons from its depths. This discovery marks a significant moment in American history, revealing remnants of the tumultuous period during the American Revolution. These artifacts not only offer a glimpse into the past but also underscore the ongoing efforts to preserve and understand historical relics.
Discovery and Recovery
In February 2021, during a dredging operation for the local port expansion project near Old Fort Jackson, crews stumbled upon a cache of cannons submerged in the Savannah River. Initial assumptions pointed towards these artifacts being from the American Civil War. However, further investigation revealed that they date back to the American Revolutionary War, specifically to the 1779 Siege of Savannah. The find was part of a larger collection of 19 cannons that were uncovered through ongoing dredging and remote sensing technologies.
Twelve of these cannons were raised in mid-January 2022, a year after their discovery. The initial dredging efforts had also brought to light three additional cannons from the mid-1800s, highlighting the river’s rich historical layering. The recovery operation, led by the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District, was a complex endeavor that involved careful excavation and preservation of these historic pieces.
Historical Significance
Andrea Farmer, an archaeologist with the COE Savannah District, noted the vast potential for further discoveries in the riverbed, stating, “There is no telling what all is down there, so much of the river is unknown.” The discovery of these cannons aligns with previous finds along the river, including Native American pottery and debris from an American Civil War-era ironclad that sank in 1864.
The British Royal Navy has speculated that the cannons could belong to the HMS Rose, a renowned British warship that was scuttled in the Savannah River during the American Revolution. This tactic was employed to obstruct French ships from aiding the American colonists. However, this plan failed as the Rose sank further upstream than anticipated. While some believe these cannons could have been from Civil War-era ships or discarded by those stationed at Old Fort Jackson, the prevailing theory supports their origins from Revolutionary War-era vessels.
Analysis and Preservation
The raised cannons, along with other artifacts, are now preserved in tubs of water awaiting a comprehensive conservation plan. Initial analysis indicates that these cannons were manufactured in the mid-1700s. Experts suggest that these cannons likely belonged to British ships that were scuttled to block French advancements during the Siege of Savannah. Specifically, the HMS Savannah and possibly the HMS Venus are suspected sources of these artifacts.
The Corps of Engineers is conducting archival research and attempting to locate the log of the HMS Savannah to gain further insights into the armaments onboard when the vessel was scuttled. This information will be crucial in accurately identifying the cannons and understanding their historical context.
Conclusion
The recovery of these Revolutionary War-era cannons from the Savannah River not only sheds light on the strategic military maneuvers of the American Revolution but also highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving our shared history. As research and conservation efforts continue, these artifacts will eventually be put on display, providing the public with a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American history. The Savannah River remains a rich repository of historical artifacts, each discovery offering new insights into the past and enhancing our understanding of the Revolutionary War era.
