Live Civil War Cannon Ball Found

Richmond, Virginia Richmond National Battlefield Park volunteers clearing brush along a trail within the former Fort Gilmer uncovered a Civil War era cannon ball. Per the park's live ordnance policy, the park contacted the County of Henrico Police Bomb Disposal Team, which responded. A 500-foot safety perimeter was established and the shell was safely removed by the bomb squad and destroyed at the county's firing range. The bomb squad identified the munition as a Civil War era 12-pound cannon ball.

The shell was discovered just days before the park's commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the battles of New Market Heights and Fort Harrison, which includes action at Fort Gilmer.