Saving History Saturday: Artillery Shell Discovered at Kennesaw Mountain

While metal detecting is not permitted in National Parks, sometimes professional archaeologists are summoned to do investigative work and surveys for public safety. That’s what led to the discovery of an unexploded Civil War bomb within the boundaries of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park earlier this month.

The team had been surveying the route for a new hiking trail and using approved metal detecting devices to ensure the future safety of park visitors and historic resource protection. Undoubtedly left behind from the Atlanta Campaign of 1864, the discovered 10 pound Parrott shell had an un-ignited fuse still attached. Cobb County Police dispatched a bomb squad to the discovery for the careful removal of the artillery projectile for further disarming and later artifact preservation.

The shell was discovered 10 inches below the ground’s surface by professionals who had been tasked with working on the proposed trail route to ensure the discovery, safety, and preservation of any historic artifacts. They probably just didn’t expect to find an unexploded shell! Thankfully, the team made the discovery which helps to ensure future trail safety along the new path.

For more information and photographs, please reference the original news article: https://www.newsweek.com/intact-bomb-civil-war-uncovered-during-archeological-survey-1684998

Please note: While exciting discoveries can be made with metal detecting, Emerging Civil War does not endorse or support unauthorized or unlawful pursuits on protected land or private property. We highlight this news story because it was part of an authorized archaeological survey.