The cannon in midtown is iconic Mobile.
It’s been there for as long as I can recall.
I remember seeing it just past the peanut man as I got my bag (ask any local about the peanut man – they’ll tell you!)
That was in the early 90s.
The cannon itself has been a midtown Mobile icon since the early 1900s.
It’s a location beacon.
A direction giver.
“Wait, is it before the cannon or after I pass the cannon?”
“Oh, it’s just west of the cannon!”
It’s a solid reference point.
And for years, the midtown cannon has been painted.
From my memory, it was usually when either Murphy or McGill students slopped paint on it after the football rivalry (a tradition in itself).
We’ve seen it get painted for several events and causes in recent years.
Bras for a Cause, Pride Week, Men’s Health Awareness, and Mardi Gras, to name a few.
(I’m sure we’re missing plenty, so feel free to call us out or add your own out loud).
We just got word that Mobile no longer allows the cannon to be painted.
Yes, the citizens will be in an uproar (especially high school students that like approved vandalism!)
But, this might actually be for the safety of our citizens.
You see, early in the 1900s, when the cannon was placed, it was only a few feet long.
But over the years, the cannon has gotten larger with each new layer of paint.
The fear is that with enough time, the cannon may take over the city block and cause more wrecks (there’s already one Facebook group highlighting bad drivers in Mobile – we don’t want to give them reasons to highlight even more folks).
Rumor has it that the city is no longer allowing the cannon painting as a way to protect the city from the future expansion of the cannon.
We salute our local leaders for thinking ahead!
With that said, we’re thinking about starting a Kickstarter project that can help us develop a special paint that won’t thicken and enlarge the cannon.
That way, we can all stay safe and win.
The cannon could continue to get sweet art, and the city streets stay safe.
Mr. Mayor?
What does your team think?!
Do any local Mobilians want to join forces and help out?
Feel free to reach out to us!
*this article has not been officially verified with the historians in the City of Mobile.
