PARKERSBURG - Wood County commissioners authorized purchase of a replica cannon reminiscent of ones used during the Civil War at Fort Boreman.

During an earlier meeting, commission President Rick Modesitt said park visitors have commented on the lack of artillery at the top of the hill where the reproduced earthen fort is located.

"I'd like to see us move forward on getting something up there. I've had people comment that when you get to the top of the hill there's nothing up there, other than the view. This will be educational and a good attraction," Modesitt said of the new display.

The commissioners asked Jim Miracle, a local Civil War re-enactor and coordinator of Carlin's Battery, to research possibilities. Miracle met with the commissioners Thursday.

"It is a replica of a 3-inch ordnance rifle, its carriage and a sound system that will be motion-activated and includes cannon firing sounds and a localized narrative can be added," Miracle said. "This is the type of weapon that would actually have been used on the hill when Carlin's Battery was there, however this replica is made of PVC so it will be completely weather-proof."

The cannon is being purchased from the Civil War Cannon Co. of Gloucester, Va., for $7,000. The purchase will be made from the park funds.

The sound system allows recorded gun sounds from Civil War cannon to be broadcast from hidden speakers located near the emplacement. The sounds are triggered either by a person passing by the gun emplacement or by the push of a button on a stand. The sounds can also be triggered by a wireless remote clicker. The speaker system is rated at up to 40 watts, which means the gun sounds can be heard up to 2,000 feet away. The system is weatherized.

"Since it's made of PVC it will be more durable so it can sit up there even in the winter without deteriorating," Miracle said. The cannon will also have cannon balls nearby so visitors can see what they looked like, but it will not be fireable and thus not a safety hazard.

"This company makes these replicas for the National Park Service," Miracle said. Officials said the cannon should be delivered within 60-90 days.

The 3-inch (76 mm) ordnance rifle was the most widely used rifled gun during the war. Invented by John Griffen, it was extremely durable, with the barrel of an actual weapon made of wrought iron, and known for its accuracy.

The original Carlin's Battery D was organized in August 1862 with John Carlin as captain. In August 1863 the unit was at Wheeling and in September 1864 Carlin received orders to proceed with his command to Parkersburg and take charge of fortifications at the post. The unit remained in Parkersburg until mustered out on June 27, 1865.

The county already has a working replica Civil War-era 10-pound Parrot cannon manufactured by Cannon Ltd. in Coolville, Ohio, which is realistic down to the paint job. It is mounted on a reproduction No. 1 field carriage. This cannon is kept in storage until used for ceremonies or special events.

"If left out in the weather, that cannon would deteriorate. It is also fireable so it can't be left out for safety reasons," Miracle said.

A second cannon, donated by Curtis and Jeane Smith in remembrance of Al, Bill and Bob Smith and Spencer Creel, is also not fireable. It was refurbished and was placed in the main park area for display during spring and summer months.