SALUTE GUNS
From Knob Knowledge
On October 18, 1966, the two salute guns were officially named the Haynsworth and Pickens cannons, after the two cadets who fired the cannons on the "Star of The West," starting the Civil War.
They are "two 3-inch Guns M5 on M1A1 or Ms carriages. These guns are U. S. Army property and are listed on the Professor of Military Science's Property Hand Receipt." They were originally 3 inch (76 mm) guns. When they came to The Citadel, though, adapters were put on each one of them so they could fire standard 75 mm blanks. Prior to their acquisition, 105 mm howitzers were used.
They were built early in World War II for long-range use. Unfortunately, they were inaccurate so few were manufactured. Some were used after World War II in target practice at Fort Sill, but most were converted to salute guns.
Facing Bond Hall the left gun is Betsy (Haynsworth's wife), and the right gun is Lizzie (Pickens's wife). The names Betsy and Lizzie are stenciled on the guns. (Sources: Maj. Steven Smith, "Salute Guns on the Parade Ground," report in Citadel Archives files; Brigadier, January 25, 1974, p. 5; and Brigadier, March 22, 1969, p. 6) (HN & DH)
