Delafield Cannon

Famed landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux may have introduced these two cannon into Fort Greene Park in the 1870's as part of the saluting battery included in their original design for the park. The "RD" markings found on the trunions (where the cannon are mounted to the carriage) indicate they were designed by Richard Delafield, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and later Commandant of the United States Military Academy. Based on the number markings found on the muzzle (look on top of the mouth of the barrel), we know these are Delafield cannon 40 and 42. There are only seven known Delafield cannon in existence. Historical photos show the cannon at various spots in the park, including here by the Visitor Center. Delafield cannon looking north from Prison Ship Martyrs Monument plaza, 1937. Photo credit: NYC Parks FORT GREENE PARK CONSERVANCY NYC Parks