Last updated: February 13, 2021
Place
Reading the Cannon Wayside
![At the left and right sides of the panel, against a blue background, white text in English and Spanish reads: Reading the Cannon. Every Spanish bronze cannon and mortar has its own story. Each was individually cast, so by examining the engraved lettering and scrollwork, you can discover its origins and the Castillo’s ties to Spain. Read other bronze guns as you explore the fort. In the center of the panel between the 2 text columns is a vertical, light tan silhouette of a cannon. From the top of the silhouette to the bottom, thin white lines extend out to the left and right and connect to images of 7 decorative brown and pale green bronze cannon parts. On either side of each part is white text in both English and Spanish. At the top, on the left and right sides of the silhouette, 2 U-shaped reddish-brown bronze pieces with engraved letters. At the left, the name of the cannon: “El Milanés, The One From Milan.â€, At the right, the cannon’s motto: “VIOLATI FULMINA REGIS, Thunderbolts from the Offended King.â€, Below, on either side of the cannon silhouette’s middle section, are rounded cylindrical projections. White lines extend outward and connect to 2 metal discs with engraved letters. To the left, the cannon’s composition: “COBs.AFIN.I.LIGâ€, which means, light refined coppers. To the right, the cannon’s weight: “44 Qs 81 ¼ Lsâ€, which means, 44 quintals or hundredweights, and 81 ¼ old Castilian pounds, or 4,545 modern pounds. Just below the right cylindrical projection, a white line connects to a bronze handle. Carved at the left end is a stylized dolphin with carved waves sweeping back from the top of its head. These handles, called dolphins, were used to help balance the cannon when lifted onto and off of the carriage. Below, is the silhouette’s thick lower section. A white line extends out to the left and connects to the image of a pale blue round cylinder with an engraved coat of arms. White text on either side in both languages reads: Scroll below royal arms: “Carolus the Third, Deo Gratia Hispaniae et India Rex. “Charles the Third by the Grace of God King of Spain and the Indies.â€, End of Text At the very bottom of the cannon silhouette, is a short neck attached to a round nub. A white line extends out to the left and connects to a pale green and silver image of the metal end of a cannon; on the round nub is a raised leafy pattern. On either side, English and Spanish text reads: Master of foundry and date of casting (on breech): “Solano made in Seville, Year of 1764.â€, Directly in front of the panel, surrounded by rope and stanchions, is a 10 1/2-foot long cannon, tinged a greenish-blue and set on 2 low wooden supports. To the left of the cannon, 2 short stacks of black cannonballs or “solid shot.â€, Beyond the cannon, views of the fort’s inner courtyard walls with doorways and windows; to the right, a grassy area. [End of Message]](/common/uploads/place/import/a9f0bf00-34ef-46ae-a710-4077740e10c9_image_350.jpg)
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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible
Every Spanish bronze cannon and mortar has its own story. Each was individually cast, so by examining the engraved lettering and scrollwork, you can discover its origins and the Castillo's ties to Spain. Read other bronze guns as you explore the fort.