With its famed dome covered in scaffolding and restoration work happening throughout the State Capitol, another historic and significant event will occur on the Capitol lawn this summer. On Saturday, August 8, at noon, the Capitol lawn will see the return of the famed Loomis Guns—replicas of the historic Civil War cannons that Michiganders took into battle over 150 years ago to fight against slavery and protect our Union. The project has been funded solely through private fundraising efforts.
Two Civil War, 10-pound Parrott guns once flanked the walkway that leads to the front entrance of the Michigan Capitol. The Michigan Capitol was dedicated to the memory of Michigan’s Civil War soldiers, and the Loomis guns symbolically protected the building’s main entrance.
It is widely believed that the original guns disappeared approximately 70 years ago during a World War II scrap metal drive. With the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, Senators Michael Kowall (R-White Lake) and Steven Bieda (D-Warren) put partisanship aside and spent the past two years raising money to bring exact replicas of the guns back to the State Capitol. Every dollar raised was from private funds—no taxpayer money was spent.
“This project allows us to remember our Civil War soldiers and commemorate their extraordinary efforts – it’s been a great and humbling experience for us,” Kowall said. “It’s amazing the horrors these brave men went through, Michigan made a commitment to remember them, and it’s time we honor them by restoring their history.”
The original cannons belonged to the renowned Loomis Battery, led by General Cyrus O. Loomis of Coldwater and comprised of local volunteer soldiers of the Coldwater Light Artillery. The Loomis Battery participated in many significant Civil War battles, including Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga.
“Like all of America’s soldiers, Michigan’s Civil War soldiers gave up so much for our nation, and this is our way of thanking them,” Bieda said. “Like many in Michigan, I have a passion for our history, and when I found out these original guns went missing, I immediately agreed to work with Senator Kowall to bring Michigan’s history back to the Capitol’s front steps to bring that legacy to life.”
On Aug. 8 at noon on the front lawn of the State Capitol, everyone is invited to participate in a free event as the Loomis cannons are restored to their rightful place in front of the Capitol. The event will include Civil War re-enactors, firing of Civil War cannons, an original Loomis cannon on display, a President Abraham Lincoln re-enactor, and much more. This historic and fun event will be great for the entire family. For more, visit www.capitolcannons.com.
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