Sure, the Valley has its share of war monuments, but how many of them feature firearms?
This memorial to the 150th New York Infantry is tucked away in a mid-Valley village cemetery (which is sited along a major north-south thoroughfare), and includes this cannon — as well as several small piles of cannonballs. Dedicated in 1899, the memorial honors the area’s soldiers who were killed or wounded during the Civil War (which began 150 years ago this month; click here for more about the region’s role in the conflict).
Known as a siege cannon, this type of heavy artillery was primarily used in attacks or to defend Union positions during land battles. This particular ordnance was donated by the U.S. Army to J.H. Ketcham, the regiment’s commander. An all-volunteer outfit, the 150th New York was formed in 1862 in Dutchess County. Quite active during the war, the regiment participated in a number of important battles, including Gettysburg; in fact, another monument in its honor stands on Culp’s Hill, a strategically important part of the Union Army’s line of defense in that fateful struggle.
Do you know in which village this commemorative cannon can be found? If so, send us your answer as a comment in the box below. The first reader with the correct response wins a prize. Good luck!
