A piece of Port Huron’s history is back home after being missing for more than six decades.
A Spanish-American War-era cannon, one of four stolen from the veterans section of Lakeside Cemetery in the 1960s, was recently recovered thanks to a chance discovery online. A military history enthusiast spotted the cannon for sale on Facebook Marketplace and recognized the markings, using a book on Civil War artillery for reference.
Port Huron Police Detective Chris Smith followed up on the tip with help from Parks and Forestry Supervisor Ben Pionk, who recalled stories passed down about the missing cannons. The investigation led to a man in Wyandotte who listed the cannon for sale. He told police he was downsizing his belongings ahead of a move and voluntarily returned the artifact to the city. It’s unclear how he came into possession of it, but police say no charges will be filed.
The recovered cannon is now back in city custody and officials are looking for a permanent place for it. It’s the second of the four stolen cannons to be found, with another currently on display at Pine Grove Park.
Anyone with information about the two remaining missing cannons is encouraged to contact Port Huron Police Detective Chris Smith at 810-985-8415.
