Revolutionary War Cannon Fragment Recovered from Lake Champlain After 27-Year Search
Archaeologists have recovered the final known fragment of a Revolutionary War cannon from the bottom of Lake Champlain, concluding a decades-long search that has helped complete the archaeological record of one of America's earliest naval battles.
The historic discovery comes 27 years and five days after the first section of the cannon was found, marking a major milestone in the ongoing investigation of the Battle of Valcour Island, fought on 11 October 1776 during the American Revolutionary War.
Researchers believe the newly recovered fragment is the missing piece of a cannon that exploded during the battle, an event that fatally wounded Lieutenant Thomas Rogers, one of the officers serving in the Continental forces. The recovery not only completes an important artifact but also reconnects historians with the human stories behind the conflict that helped shape the United States.Image Credit : Centre for Maritime Archaeology & Conservation (CMAC)
Completing a 250-Year-Old Puzzle
The recovery of the final cannon fragment represents the culmination of nearly three decades of archaeological work beneath the waters of Lake Champlain.
The first section of the damaged cannon was discovered in 1999 during the Valcour Bay Research Project. Since then, archaeologists have continued searching the lakebed using increasingly sophisticated underwater survey techniques in hopes of locating the missing pieces.
With the latest discovery, researchers now possess the complete known archaeological record of the damaged weapon nearly 250 years after it was lost during battle.
Project leaders described the find as one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries associated with the American Revolutionary War in recent years.
A Cannon Linked to Lieutenant Thomas Rogers
Historical evidence suggests the recovered fragment belonged to the same cannon whose catastrophic failure fatally injured Lieutenant Thomas Rogers during the Battle of Valcour Island.
Rogers later became one of the battle's remembered casualties, with his widow commemorating his sacrifice through a simple but powerful inscription stating that he died "in the service of his Country and in the cause of Liberty."
For archaeologists, the recovered fragment represents more than a military artifact—it serves as a tangible reminder of the individuals who fought during America's struggle for independence.
The timing of the discovery is especially meaningful as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, highlighting the enduring legacy of those who participated in the nation's founding conflict.
Underwater Archaeologists Lead the Recovery
The excavation formed part of a research project organised by the Centre for Maritime Archaeology & Conservation (CMAC) through Texas A&M University's Nautical Archaeology Program (NAP).
The work was carried out with permission from the New York State Museum in partnership with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Financial support for the project was provided by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) and the International Nautical Archaeology Foundation (INAF).
This collaborative effort brought together specialists in maritime archaeology, underwater surveying, conservation, and Revolutionary War history.
Advanced Technology Solved the Mystery
Locating the final cannon fragment proved far more difficult than earlier recoveries.
Despite decades of searches using conventional underwater metal detectors, the missing section remained hidden beneath the lakebed.
The breakthrough came during the 2025 field season, when archaeologists employed advanced magnetometer survey technology capable of detecting buried ferrous objects beneath lake sediments.
Project leaders credited Josh Daniel, a Nautical Archaeology Program alumnus and director at the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, with helping locate the elusive fragment through these improved survey methods.
Once identified, archaeologists carefully recovered the artifact under controlled conditions to ensure its preservation for future study.
Honouring the Battle of Valcour Island
The successful recovery was commemorated during a lakeside ceremony organised by the Clinton County Historical Association, which recognised both the archaeological achievement and the historical importance of the Battle of Valcour Island.
Although the American forces were ultimately defeated in the 1776 engagement, historians widely regard the battle as strategically significant because it delayed the British advance, allowing the Continental Army additional time to prepare its defences.
Many military historians consider the battle one of the most influential naval engagements of the Revolutionary War despite its tactical outcome.
Preserving America's Underwater Heritage
The project involved a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, graduate students, researchers, museum professionals, and underwater survey specialists.
Veteran researchers, including former Valcour Bay Research Project investigator Ed Scollon, who discovered the first cannon fragment in 1999, joined the latest recovery alongside faculty and students from Texas A&M University and East Carolina University.
Their work demonstrates how long-term archaeological research, combined with advances in underwater technology, continues to reveal important chapters of America's early history.
With the final cannon fragment now recovered, scholars can study the weapon in its entirety while gaining fresh insights into the Battle of Valcour Island and the sacrifices made during the fight for American independence.
Conclusion
The recovery of the final Revolutionary War cannon fragment from Lake Champlain marks the successful conclusion of a 27-year archaeological search and completes one of the most significant military artifacts associated with the Battle of Valcour Island. Beyond restoring an important piece of Revolutionary War history, the discovery honours those who served in America's struggle for independence and demonstrates the vital role underwater archaeology continues to play in preserving the nation's heritage.