Museum Collections
Luce Center
Artillery shell
Object Number:
INV.5677.2
Date:
1760-1776
Medium:
Iron
Dimensions:
Overall: 5 1/4 in. ( 13.3 cm )
Description:
Iron artillery shell; large hole.
Gallery Label:
This shell was found in 1915 by boys digging a trench on the site of Fort Independence. Built by the Continental Army in the summer of 1776, Fort Independence was part of a chain of eight American forts north and east of the Harlem River that commanded the northern approaches to Manhattan. The shell was part of a large stash of artillery ammunition that was buried in November, 1776 by the fort's retreating garrison in anticipation of a looming British assault.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.