Alger Cadet Gun
In 1848 Cyrus Alger & Company produced four artillery pieces called “6-punder guns, light,” which have since been known as “Cadet guns." Only 50.5 inches in total length and weighing 570 pounds, all four guns were sent to the Virginia Military Institute. Three years later, Alger made two more for the Arkansas Military Institute in Tulip. Four additional guns were manufactured for the Georgia Military Institute in 1852. Of these guns, only seven are known to survive. (See also Artifact spotlight.)
The guns were intended for drill and instruction; however, a shortage of field pieces in the Confederacy at the beginning of the Civil War resulted in the Cadet guns being commandeered for active duty. The two guns from the Arkansas Military Institute in Tulip were carried to Virginia in 1861 by the school’s cadets as Company I, “Tulips Rifles,” of the Third Arkansas Infantry. These Arkansas soldiers fought in battles at Vicksburg, Harpers Ferry, Chickamauga and Gettysburg. Learn more about the Arkansas Military Institute and the Third Arkansas Infantry.
A new addition to our Civil War gallery is an oil portrait of Lt. William Rector, son of Governor Henry Rector. Lt. Rector was commissioned Lt. Adjutant on August 1, 1862. On September 28, he was assigned Command of Co. C, of the 30th Arkansas. In the months preceding Lt. Rector's appointment, the 30th Arkansas moved all over the state. In June, 1863, the unit was sent to Jacksonport . On June 18, they began the march to Helena. By July 3, the 30th Arkansas had arrived in Helena and were told to prepare for battle. Beginning at sunrise on July 4, the 30th Arkansas courageously fought until 3pm that afternoon. Sadly, Lt. William Rector was mortally wounded and died as a result. He is buried in Mt. Holly Cemetery next to his parents.
The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military
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