Up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt the M1875 Mountain Gun

The M1875 Mountain Gun was a breech-loading artillery piece used by the United States Army during the late 19th century. Developed as a replacement for the aging M1841 mountain howitzer, which had been in service since 1837, the M1875 was designed to meet the Army's evolving needs for a mobile and effective weapon capable of supporting cavalry and operating in rugged terrain.

Design and Development

The M1875 was based on a design by Hotchkiss & Company, a French arms manufacturer founded by American inventor Benjamin B. Hotchkiss (1826–1885). This gun marked a significant milestone as "the first original breech-loading gun in the U.S. Army." Its introduction reflected advancements in artillery technology and a shift from muzzle-loading to breech-loading systems, which offered greater efficiency and ease of use in the field.

Weighing 116 pounds with a 1.65-inch caliber, the M1875 used a 6-ounce powder charge to fire 2-pound percussion shells. Its effective range exceeded 1,500 yards, surpassing the reach of contemporary rifled small arms. The weapon was lightweight enough to break down into two loads for mule transport, with additional pack mules required to carry its ammunition. This portability made it particularly well-suited for operations in difficult terrain, such as mountainous regions.

Service History

The M1875 saw extensive use during several pivotal conflicts in U.S. military history. It was first issued in 1877 to the Department of Dakota, where it supported operations against Native American tribes during the American Indian Wars. It was notably used by cavalry units, including during the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, where it played a controversial role.

The gun's utility extended into the Spanish–American War of 1898, where it was employed in Cuba, and the Philippine–American War (1899–1902), where it supported U.S. forces in the Philippine Islands. Beyond these conflicts, many surplus M1875 guns were sold to armies in South and Central America, including Guatemala, where they continued to serve.

Ordnance Board Report

An 1878 report by Brigadier General Stephen Vincent Benet provides insight into the gun's adoption and performance. The report credits Colonel Nelson A. Miles of the Fifth Infantry for suggesting the development of a light field gun weighing less than 500 pounds to replace the obsolete M1841 howitzer. His proposal emphasized the need for a mobile, rifled, breech-loading gun with a shell range of at least 1,500 yards to complement cavalry operations.

Hotchkiss & Company presented a suitable design that underwent trials and was deemed promising for frontier service. Although early models had mechanical and logistical shortcomings—such as issues with the carriage and ammunition—the weapon demonstrated effectiveness in combat. Benet noted that Colonel Miles considered the M1875 a valuable addition to the Army’s arsenal, leading to the procurement of additional units.

Legacy

The M1875 Mountain Gun was an innovative step forward in U.S. artillery, reflecting the Army's adaptation to changing warfare requirements. While its operational history highlighted areas for improvement, the gun's mobility, range, and firepower proved invaluable in diverse theaters of war. Its widespread use and subsequent sale to foreign militaries underscore its importance during a transformative era in military technology.

It is believed that this actual weapon went up San Juan / Kettle Hill along with Theodore Roosevelt, and the Rough Riders. This amazing display is presented by Ghosts of the Battlefield volunteer and mentor Doug MacDougal. You can see him at pretty much any of our live events that Ghosts of the Battlefield hosts.