Blue Island, Illinois: Doughboy Cannon
Rare, restored example of the only U.S.-made cannon used in World War I. Made in the Midwest, now retired to a Midwestern park.
- Address:
- Highland Ave., Blue Island, IL
- Directions:
- Northwest side of town. On the west side of Highland Ave. about a half-block south of W. 127th St.
- Admission:
- Free
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A rare US Army Model of 1906 4.7" Medium Field Gun, made in 1918. This is a restored example of the only U.S. made cannon used by our Doughboys in the "War to End All Wars," a.k.a. World War I. These bad boys were used in action at St. Mihiel, Marbache, and the Muese-Argonne offensive. The gun portion was made in Wisconsin by Nortwest Ordnance Co. and the carriage/wheels by Studebaker in South Bend, Indiana. When used in France it would have been camouflage-painted instead of its current green color. The wheels were wood, covered in black rubber, and still pulled by horses.
Only 200 were made, and there are not many left.
[Russ B., 03/19/2014]Nearby Offbeat Places
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