Exploring the "Brass Cannon" Mystery of Droop Mountain

The sources provide an intriguing account of a historical mystery surrounding a supposed brass cannon buried on the Droop Mountain battlefield in West Virginia. A 1935 article from an unidentified newspaper recounts the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Droop Mountain and sheds light on the cannon legend.

The mystery centers around a widespread belief that Confederate soldiers buried a brass cannon in a swamp on the old battlefield. This belief is challenged by George Henry Alderman, a 91-year-old veteran of the battle, who dismisses the idea. While the source doesn't explicitly state why Alderman refutes the cannon's existence, his firsthand experience of the battle likely informs his perspective.

Adding another layer to the mystery is the lack of information about the cannon's origins and purpose. The source doesn't mention when or why the Confederates would have buried the cannon, leaving these questions unanswered. It's possible that the cannon story is a local legend passed down through generations, without concrete evidence.

The article focuses on the accounts of two Civil War veterans, George Henry Alderman and General McNeil, who arrived at Camp Price in Hillsboro to commemorate the anniversary. General McNeil, a member of the 19th Regiment of Virginia, Company F, participated in the Battle of Droop Mountain, albeit not in the exact location of the supposed cannon burial. His company was stationed near Huntersville to watch for Union forces but missed the main battle as the Union troops took an alternate route.

The article highlights the contrasting perspectives of the two veterans. While Alderman refutes the cannon's existence, McNeil's account reveals his belief that both Union and Confederate soldiers were reluctant to kill, which he attributes to the relatively low death toll of the battle. This detail suggests a nuanced understanding of the battle, where motivations and actions extended beyond simple aggression.

The source doesn't provide a resolution to the brass cannon mystery, leaving readers to ponder its authenticity. However, the article offers valuable insights into the Battle of Droop Mountain and the experiences of those who fought there. It invites further exploration into historical records and local accounts to potentially uncover the truth behind the intriguing legend of the buried brass cannon.