Homecoming for Civil War Cannons

CRANSTON, RI - From the Desk of Mayor Allan Fung: Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung is pleased to announce that a pair of cannons that date back to the Civil War have returned to the Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston after the city successfully negotiated an agreement with the Rhode Island National Guard.

The cannons, purchased by former Rhode Island Governor William Sprague in 1861 to equip a regiment to fight in the Civil War, were removed from the grounds of the Sprague Mansion earlier this year for refurbishing. The city and the National Guard immediately entered into discussions about the cannons’ rightful ownership and were able to reach an agreement to have the cannons returned earlier this month.

Members of the Cranston Historical Society, Mayor Fung and Adjutant General of Rhode Island, Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, Col. Christopher P. Callahan will be attending a brief ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 31, to commemorate the cannons’ return.

WHO: Mayor Fung, Major General Christopher P. Callahan, members of the Cranston Historical Society, guests.

WHAT: Dedication ceremony to mark the return of two 1840s era Civil War cannons to the Sprague Mansion.

WHERE: Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston RI 02920.

WHEN: 11 a.m.

During the ceremony, a history of the cannons and details about the agreement between the city and Rhode Island National Guard will be provided.

Image via Desk of Mayor Allan Fung