The Mason-Dixon Regiment

This is our Coehorn Mortar.  It was purchased in 2009 and blasted its way into the hearts and minds of the soldiers and civilians alike!  Artillery sargeant Barry Harvey is assisted by corporal Chris Delisi and several privates.  The artillery crew does its job at various living history encampments and at major battle reenactments.  Make sure you get a chance to see and HEAR the mortar at an event in 2010. 

The Mason-Dixon Regiment is proud to announce the formation of it's artillery unit.  The Civil War Mortars, are actually short barreled Cannon designed to launch large, hollow projectiles at very high elevations using a small charge of powder.  Mortars are smooth bore weapons designed to fire exploding cannon balls with fuses timed to burst above infantry and cavalry.

The Coehorn Mortar Model 1838, which was used by both sides during the Civil War, was named after the Dutch inventor, Baron van Menno Coehoorn (1641-1704).  This original ൠ pound Coehorn Mortar" had a bronze tube weighing 164 pounds and was mounted on a wooden Mortar "Bed" weighing an additional 131 pounds.  It fired a 24-pounder shell (weight 16.8 pounds) using 1/2 pounds of black powder to a maximum range of 1,200 yards.  This 295 pound weapon had 2 handles on each side of the Bed to accommodate a standard crew of 4 men to carry it into battle.  This was an arduous task even for 4 men. 

The Coehorn Mortar consisted of 2 pieces.  The " Tube " ( barrel ) and the " Trunnion " ( the support pivot at the rear of the Tube )   As you can see, when the two pieces are assembled, they complete the Coehorn Mortar Tube.

The Mason-Dixon Regiment will utilize it's mortar this coming season in living history demonstrations and large scale battles.  Our unit is being lead by Artillery sargeant Barry Harvey and assisted by Corporal Chris Delisi.