Copper History - The Cannon

While some towns have a infamous claim to fame of asparagus or garlic or other such things, Copperopolis lay claim to a history rich with mining lore and definately some 'odd bits.' One such item that fits the 'odd bits' bill, would be the cannon. If you take a moment to drive slowly by the Copperopolis Elementary School you will notice beneath the flag pole two brick monuments; on one stands a grand bronze cannon, on the other a cast iron bell. Today we will delve into the origins of the cannon.

The cannon was cast (made from bronze) in 1837 and purchased by the Copperopolis Blues Union Guard, a military company organized of volunteer miners. It was used for training and ceremonial purposes during the Civil War. It shot 6 lb. cannon balls and was kept at or near the Armory. The cannon had wheels at one time to move it around easily. It was shot off for holidays and funerals until the early 1900’s. Around that time it was neglected and wound up in the Union Mine scrap pile.

We almost lost the cannon when a scrap metal dealer came to town, loaded it onto his wagon and headed down the road toward Milton. William Vickery, a local resident, and the last of the remaining members of the Copperopolis Blues Union Guard, saw the cannon go by, grabbed his horse and buggy.  He overtook the junk dealer on the road and returned the cannon to town.

As far as we know, the cannon laid under the stilted-up rear of the post office for years. Some folks wanted the cannon to be returned to the mine and others wanted it to be mounted at the old school. William Vickery guarded it with a sawed off shotgun until the controversies died down. Mrs. Botcher had it repaired by Charles Hartsoon in 1881. It wasn’t until 1935 when the town’s people held a benefit dance and supper at the Armory for the purpose of providing money to mount the cannon on the old school grounds and properly inscribe it. In 1936 Charlie Stone helped move the cannon to the school grounds were it was set in cement in front of the old school house. Due to the new buildings on the school site, in 1989 the cannon was again moved and stored around town, even at McCarty’s store.  Finally, it was prominently placed once again at Copperopolis Elementary School in the 1990’s.

If you happen to be around during the towns 151st Homecoming Celebration at the beginning of this summer, be sure to look for the historic walking tours that are put on by our Copperopolis Community Center volunteers. You will learn more about Copper than you thought possible, the rich history and the odd bits.


Cannon info and picture made possible by Copperopolis Business Association, CABA.