The Cannons at Buckingham Courthouse
History is full of irony and Buckingham County is no exception. One Slate River Rambling reader has informed me that the cannons in front of Buckingham Courthouse originally belonged to the Yankees!
When myriad monuments were erected after the Civil War, the Federal Government apparently sold or donated countless stockpiled cannons to memorial sites across the country. Sitting in front of the courthouse, next to Buckingham County’s Confederate monument, are two artillery pieces. Both are 12-pounder Napoleons, commonly used during the war. Both were manufactured in Boston, Massachusetts by the Revere Copper Co. One was made in September of 1862 and the second one was made in May of 1863. The dates are based on the guns’ serial numbers.
Did those involved in the erection of Buckingham County’s Confederate monument realize they were placing Yankee artillery at the memorial
slate river ramblings . . . . 
To make things more interesting, a few years ago, some “cannon expert” looked the 2 cannons over and reported that one of them is still loaded.
Next time I visit, I’ll watch where I stand!
I have red a similar tale about the cannons at the Albemarle County Courthouse.
I trust my source and his serial numbers . . . .