Description
The Gatling Gun was invented by Richard Gatling and patented in 1862. It was first used by Union forces in the Civil War. The gun operated on a cyclic, multi-barrel design in which loose cartridges were gravity fed as the operator cranked a handle. It was the gravity-fed innovation that made the gun unique. Each barrel was fired one at a time, which allowed them to cool in between rounds. The Gatling Gun was not officially accepted by the U.S. Army until 1866. Two guns were used at the Battle of Petersburg. General Benjamin Butler purchased 12 guns and personally fired them at rebel forces. These guns were never widely used in the Civil War, as they arrived late in the war and did not receive wide federal support.
This Gatling Gun mug is part of our US Civil War series profiling participants in the War Between the States. Thousands of Confederate and Union soldiers fought in battles such as Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. We honor their sacrifices by telling their stories.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
