The Russians are coming - Cooktown, Queensland
S 15° 27.810 E 145° 14.997
55L E 312242 N 8289643
Located in Discovery Park on the Cooktown Esplanade, this cannon stands to tell an interesting tale.
Waymark Code: WM7FZG
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date Posted: 10/21/2009
Views: 8
On April 10th 1885 the Cooktown Council carried the following motion. That a wire be sent to the Queensland Premier in Brisbane requesting him to supply arms, ammunition and a competent officer to take charge of same, as the town is "Entirely unprotected against the threat of a Russian invasion". In response to this request the Premier of Queensland sent this cannon (cast in 1803 in Carron Scotland), 3 cannonballs, 2 rifles and 1 Officer to garrison the town against invasion. This show of force was successful as Cooktown and Australia has never been invaded by Russian forces.
The cannon is still fired during the "Endeavour Festival" on the Queens Birthday Weekend in June.
What type of artillery is this?: Cannon
Where is this artillery located?: Park
What military of the world used this device?: Cooktown Garrison
Cost?: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Artillery is no longer operational: no
Still may work: yes
Are there any geocaches at this location?:
GC1GVQN Discovery Monument.
Date artillery was in use: Not listed
Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed
Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Two pictures are required for this Waymark. Please take a close up picture of the artillery. Take a second with the artillery in the distance and capture as much of the surroundings as possible. Name the Waymark with first the name of the area and second what the artillery is. An example would be if it were a cannon in front of the Montgomery Armory you would name the Waymark: Montgomery Armory Cannon.