Cannons of the 1800's

The columbiad cannon had a design which allowed it to firs a solid shot and a shell to long distances. Also the design enabled it to fire heavy projectiles at both high and low trajectories. This cannon was enevnted by the United States Army and was used during the War of 1812. A seven inch barrel was used at first but as tiem went on the diameter grew to right inches then up again to ten inches. By the time the diameter reached ten inches the cannon could project a a solid shot over 5,600 yards. The columbias cannon was originally on seacoast carriages, on which it was able to turn from left to right, having a wide range for targets, about a 180 degree range. Later on improvements were made so that the cannon could have a full range of targets, 360 degrees.