The Most Impractical Weapons of The War

As an impractical weapon, we might consider Greer's Rocket Battery organized in Texas, in December, 1863. It was recruited for the specific purpose of firing rockets that were to be produced at San Antonio. The unit served at Galveston, then returned to San Antonio but the test of rockets proved disastrous. Another problem Greer had was finding mechanics with skills to fabricate the rockets in a quantity suitable for going into battle. Early in 1864, men were pulled from at least two cavalry regiments to man the battery, but were recalled to join their regiments for the Red River Campaign in Louisiana. By June or July, 1864, the remaining company was disbanded. Captain John S. Greer was its commander.
 
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B&O's armored train.

CSA General John Bankhead "Prince John" Magruder used what is believed to be the first rail-mounted gun. In June 1862 the armored gun attacked McClellan's retreating forces at Savage's Station. A 32 pound Brooke naval rifle was mounted on a rail car known as the "Land Merrimack" because of its protective armor. It proved relatively ineffective because it was not totally closed in. Its unprotected sides were raked by Union sharpshooters and had to be withdrawn back up the line. Prince John once again outfitted a rail car with an 8" Dahlgren and used it during his successful New Year's Day 1863 assault to retake Galveston, Tx. The difference this time was the cannon's protective armor was cotton bales. It was moved within a few hundred yards of the gunboats in the harbor. Although used in the battle , it doesn't appear to have had a significant impact.
 
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