Explosive Civil War Relic Unearthed In Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss. -- Crews working on a sewer line unearthed a dangerous Civil War relic in a Vicksburg neighborhood near Military Park Wednesday.

The workers contacted emergency officials from Warren County who determined the explosive contained enough black powder to possibly injure residents and cause damage to nearby homes.

A crew from Camp Shelby collected the explosive to safely detonate it.

Warren County officials said they didn't want to take any chances with the explosive.

"It could possibly take less to detonate it. But there again, it might be safe and nothing happen," said L.W. Callaway, a spokesman for Warren County Emergency Management.

Residents were relieved to have the explosive discovered before it did any damage.

"I'm glad they found it and I'll be glad when they remove it," said Sherrill Martin, who lives near where the explosive was found.

Although Civil War artifacts are found on a regular basis in Vicksburg, they rarely pose a threat to residents.

The explosive was likely buried during the siege on Vicksburg in 1863.

"You never know where you're going to find one or what it's going to be when you find it," said Callaway.

"It's part of our history and they find things like this all the time," said Martin. "It's alarming and surprising to find in your own neighborhood."

Emergency crews said the workers who found the explosive did the right thing by not touching it and calling 911.

The antique shells can be extremely dangerous if they still contain black powder.

They are also illegal for the public to own -- even as collectables.