The Cannon Red Jacket

In 1834, the Legislature of Georgia granted a charter to the Columbus Guard, and then promptly sent them off to the Indian War to fight on behalf of all Georgians and Floridians. Apparently, they were pretty good.

So, when the U.S. government sought out volunteers for the Mexican War, Columbus’ Own were first responders, throwing their caps in with the 1st GA Regiment Volunteers. Years later, a company from Chicago challenged any other company in the Union to a duel of drills. Of course, Columbus’ own accepted the challenge and began gearing up to open the proverbial can. Apparently, the Chicago Zouaves weren’t the only ones looking for a scuffle, as the Civil War broke out shortly after the gauntlet had been thrown.

And so, in honor of their many battles, in 1861, a brass salute gun was bestowed to the Columbus Guard, which they quickly dubbed “The Red Jacket.”

It is said that on certain nights in downtown Columbus, you can still hear the report from the Red Jacket. Or at least from a replica built in 1997, specifically for said report.