Anvil launching

Anvil launching, also known as an "anvil shoot", is a practice that was once common in the Southern United States. It involves using gunpowder to fire an anvil into the air. Often two anvils are used: one as a base (placed upside down), and one as the projectile (placed right-side up, atop the base), although the former can be dispensed with. Because many anvils have concave bases, a space exists between the projectile anvil and the base. The space is filled with black powder (not modern gunpowders, which have much higher energy densities) and a fuse is made to project out. The fuse is lit, and the resulting deflagration, (the rapid combustion of the powder rather than explosion) sends the projectile anvil hundreds of feet into the air.

Anvil launching was once used as a substitute for fireworks during celebrations. One such noteworthy celebration was held on the day the state of Texas voted to secede from the Union. On February 23, 1861, Texas Ranger and prominent Union supporter, Thomas Lopton Campbell Jr., was held captive and forced to "fire the anvils" in the streets of Austin. [Rockwell, Stella Campbell (1978). Tumbleweed Treck, ch. 9, "Boom Of Anvils", Enid, Oklahoma]

Although its practice has lessened in recent years, enthusiasts still participate in anvil launching events.

Dangers

One may be crushed by the falling anvil which can result in severe injury or death.Some anvils used in "Anvil Shoots" are damaged anvils, and the anvil base may chip upon explosion, sending out fragments. As in any case where an explosive is confined on all sides by metal, shrapnel presents a hazard.

Sources

* Anvils in America by Richard Postman

Notes

External links

* [http://www.museumofappalachia.org/July_4th_Celebration_and_Anvil_Shoot.htm Museum of Appalachia Anvil Shoot Page]