Civil War Cannonballs Wash Ashore

Perdido Key, Florida Following Hurricane Ida, nearly 200 Civil War era cannonballs were discovered near the far end Perdido Key, an area accessible only by boat, ATV or on foot. The area where the munitions were found was closed and marked with signs along with boating restrictions in the area.

EOD responded along with multiple other Federal and State agencies to assist with the operation. The items were disposed of through a controlled detonation within the park boundaries. According to Darrell Echols, Gulf Islands National Seashore superintendent, "The park continues to monitor the area for newly discovered munitions and will secure the site(s) should any be found in the future."

Munitions found within national park boundaries are considered cultural artifacts and are protected by law. It is illegal for the public to harm, deface, damage, or remove these items. Gulf Islands National Seashore is working closely with the National Park Service, Southeast Archaeology Center, and Florida State agencies to conduct the cultural survey of a large area on the eastern end of Perdido Key.