Name/Title
Bullet, MinieEntry/Object ID
2008.008.0001Description
Bullet. Minnie ball authentic relic found in historic Corinth, Mississippi with history written on card.
Card reads:
In 1847, Dr. Claude Minie, a Captain in the French Army, was instrumental in developing a muzzle-loading rifle bullet. It was adopted by both Confederate and Union Armies at the outbreak of the Civil War. Conical in shape, the bullet had a hollow base. On firing, it expanded against the rifling of the bore. This greatly increased range and accurracy. Of all the casualties of the war 80% were inflicted by single shot, muzzle-loading weapons carried by foot soldiers. Around the base of the minnie ball are "grease grooves." They were often filled with beeswax. It kept rifle barrels from fouling. Minnie balls were made of pure lead. They were made in factories by big machines. Boxes or bags of minnie balls were buried near battle sites. This saved the soldier carrying too many pounds. They were still handy if he needed them. From time to time, great numbers of these are found in one place. This minnie ball is one from a find that yielded 1,284. The white color is lead oxide from being buried so long.Collection
Special Collections