Seventeen Revolutionary War-era cannons recovered from the Savannah River during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) have returned to Savannah after years of conservation and restoration work.
Discovered during river dredging operations, and investigated by Panamerican Consultants’ Underwater team, led by Steve James, Maritime Director Emeritus, and operating now as part of Chronicle Heritage, the cannons are believed to be linked to the 1779 Siege of Savannah, when British forces scuttled ships in the river to block French support for American troops.
Now on display at the Savannah History Museum, these remarkable artifacts will help tell Savannah’s role in the American Revolution as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
This achievement reflects the successful collaboration of USACE, Texas A&M Conservation Research Laboratory, Coastal Heritage Society, and Chronicle and its legacy companies, including Panamerican and Commonwealth Heritage Group, to preserve America’s cultural resources while supporting critical infrastructure improvements.
Chronicle, as well as its legacy companies, is proud to have played a role in this historic journey, from recovery and research to the safe transportation, handling, and installation of these extraordinary artifacts, helping ensure that this important chapter of American history is preserved and shared with future generations.
