These pages are intended to show the varied weapons and equipment used during the American Civil War. There were many other types of cannons which saw service during this period, but here I hope to cover the more common types.
In 1860, the artillery for the United States land forces was divided into four classes and then further subdivided, depending on its use and caliber.

I. GUNS - heavy weapons with long barrels to batter fortifications with shot at long range. A. Seacoast B. Siege and Garrison C. Field

II. HOWITZERS - shorter barrelled guns with "chambers" in the bores for smaller powder charges. They were designed to fire shells at higher elevation over less range. A. Seacoast B. Siege and Garrison C. Field D. Mountain

III. MORTARS - short chambered pieces used for lobbing shells at great elevation into the fortifications of the enemy. A. Seacoast B. Siege and Garrison

IV. COLUMBIADS - long barrelled weapons combining the features of all three of the above, and were the heaviest pieces in use.

A. Seacoast weapons were the heaviest types and were mounted in permenant fortifications on the seaboard.
B. Siege and Garrison artillery was heavier and less maneuverable than field artillery. It was used to attack (siege) or defend (garrison) fortifications and field works.
C. Field pieces or light artillery campaigned with the troops in active operations.
D. Mountain weapons were used in rough country where there were poor roads.