Was the "Confederate" Winans Steam Gun of the Civil War the first use of the armored car?

major bill

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
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Aug 25, 2012
The Winans Steam Gun (a.k.a. The Baltimore Steam Gun), built in 1861, is sometimes described as the first American armored car. Some people see the Winans Steam Gun as the antecedent of all American armored cars. I am unconvinced, but will see if others can change my mind.
 
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The Winans Steam Gun was a steam powered centrifugal gun capable of firing up to 200 or 250 shots per minute, with the gun protected by a large armor cone. It did not need to use gunpowder for achieve this. It was reported to be ready to use on Union troops passing through Baltimore in April of 1861. For this task it was never used. The gun was captured on May 11 1861 when it was on its way to be sold to the Confederacy.

After testing by the Union the Steam Gun was used to defend the Thomas Viaduct.
 
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