The 2nd Kentucky
Morgan's Artillery
A section of 1841 Mountain Howitzers
The 2nd Kentucky, Morgan’s
Artillery, formed in June, 2000, is a Civil War reenactment group based on
the light artillery pieces used by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s
Raiders. The unit fields two full-scale, high- quality 1841 mountain
howitzers, handmade by gunmaker Jim Stewart of Otsego, Michigan.
A mountain
howitzer is a small cannon of large bore and short range, designed by the
French in the days of Napoleon for use in hilly or mountainous regions.
Often referred to as giant shotguns, they were popular in the Western
Theater of the war and used by both armies. Quick maneuverability made them
a weapon of choice for fast-moving cavalry units, while some are known to
have been attached to infantry regiments as well. Mountain howitzers can be
disassembled and hauled up a hill or mountainside and then reassembled and
ready to open fire all in a span of only 30 minutes or less. This capability
made them a formidable weapon in the tactical offensive and they also saw
use in defense of garrisons and outposts.
Because of their maneuverability and
shorter range, mountain howitzers were often placed in close proximity
to the enemy, making for hazardous duty for the gun crews. For this
reason, it was not uncommon for a squad or two of infantry to be
deployed along with the guns to provide protection and enable them to
withdraw, if necessary, or to advance, if practicable, under cover of
infantry fire.
Commonly referred to as “bull pups” by Morgan’s Raiders,
it is reported that the men of Morgan’s command threatened to desert
when it was rumored that their beloved mountain howitzers were to be
taken from them and sent elsewhere on orders from Gen. Braxton Bragg.
Upon learning of pending desertion, the high command in Richmond left
the howitzers with Morgan’s men and they were taken with them across the
Ohio River on the Great Raid of July, 1863. The two bull pups were lost
to the Federals in the fight at Buffington Island, the climactic battle
of the raid in which half the command was captured while trying to cross
the swollen river to the relative safety of Kentucky.
Along with regional events in Michigan, the 2nd
Kentucky attends events in Illinois, Wisconsin, and “Morgan’s Raid” events
in southern Indiana.
Come Fight With Us !
Recruitment
The 2nd Kentucky, Morgan’s Artillery, is always
looking for new members who are interested in living history and preserving
our precious Civil War heritage. It has the following to offer:
A mountain
howitzer is a small cannon of large bore and short range, designed by the
French in the days of Napoleon for use in hilly or mountainous regions.
Often referred to as giant shotguns, they were popular in the Western
Theater of the war and used by both armies. Quick maneuverability made them
a weapon of choice for fast-moving cavalry units, while some are known to
have been attached to infantry regiments as well. Mountain howitzers can be
disassembled and hauled up a hill or mountainside and then reassembled and
ready to open fire all in a span of only 30 minutes or less. This capability
made them a formidable weapon in the tactical offensive and they also saw
use in defense of garrisons and outposts.
