The Mountain Howitzer
At the end of the War in Cuba TR brought home a captured Spanish 12-pound Moutain Howitzer. In the field these guns were designed to be broken down into three sections small enough to be carried by pack animals. It was perfect for the cavalry. They were used effectively in the Mexican War by Jonathan Stonewall Jackson.
Every July 4th the Roosevelt's would fire the cannon as part of the family's Independence Day Celebration. In 1899 Oyster Bay Residents were treated to TR's image in fireworks. Pyrotechnic shots were fired along with the Howitzer to imitate a 21-gun salute.
The cannon got the nickname for Joe Cannon who became Speaker of the House in 1903. Its currently on display in the Old Orchard Museum, but photos shows it was kept on display outside right under the Gutzon Borglan Eagle. It can be seen in the photograph below.
