Historic WWII Gun Moves by Rail Across Delmarva

LEWES, Del. - A big piece of American history is moving across Delmarva.

The 116-ton barrel of a cannon from the U.S.S. Missouri is traveling by rail to its final resting place at historic Fort Miles near Lewes, Del. The 16-inch gun, which is roughly 67-feet long, arrived in Pocomoke City, Md. just before noon Wednesday as it moves its way north.

"We've been planning this for about ten months," said Dr. Gary Wray, president of the Fort Miles Historical Association. "It's been a long time but it's really worth it.

The gun is special for history lovers; the Japanese surrendered World War II on board the Missouri.

"She was there that famous day and it's one of the greatest days in American history," Wray said. "It ended World War II, the war of the greatest generation."

The cannon left the Norfolk-area on Monday, traveling by barge to Cape Charles, Va. A train is transporting the gun through Pocomoke City, onto Harrington, then into Georgetown and finally to Lewes, Wray said. The move is expected to cost about $110,000, most of which was donated.

Had the historical association not stepped in, the gun would have likely been sold for salvage, Wray said. Instead, volunteers plan to restore the cannon and make it part of a museum near the fort. They will also need to transport separate parts of the cannon still in Virginia.

"We want to turn this place, in little Delaware, we want to be the World War II destination for America," Wray said.

The gun will sit in Georgetown for several days before it is revealed in a public ceremony on April 16. Plans call for one final rail trip between Georgetown and Lewes. Crews will move the historic piece onto a 96-wheel, 12-axle trailer for the last mile of the journey.

No major road closings are planned, except for the last mile trip through Cape Henlopen State Park, Wray said.