A fascinating discovery was made in the backyard of a Virginia home recently, sparking a call to bomb technicians. While working on enhancing the home’s curb appeal, a landscaper stumbled upon an object that appeared to be a rock. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be a Civil War-era cannonball.
Upon the realization of the nature of the discovery, the home’s real estate agent wasted no time in contacting the authorities. Perry Weller, deputy chief of community risk and reduction with the City of Staunton Fire and Rescue, along with his team, quickly identified the projectile and took necessary precautions.
Due to the historical significance of the location and the context of Staunton, Virginia, it is believed that the cannonball dates back to the Civil War era. Handling such items requires great care and expertise to ensure safety.
Weller emphasized the importance of not moving such objects without proper assessment. In this case, the Virginia State Police Bomb Technicians were called in to provide support, considering the potential risk of the cannonball still being active or live.
This is not the first instance of encountering a Civil War-era projectile for Weller, who has had a similar experience in the past six years. These findings serve as a reminder of the historical significance and remnants that can still be unearthed in various locations.
For individuals who encounter unfamiliar objects buried in the ground, it is advised to seek assistance from emergency services rather than attempting to handle or move the item independently. The age of an object does not guarantee its safety, and caution must be exercised at all times.