According to Charles W. Bennett’s Historical Sketches of the Ninth Michigan Infantry, Fort Duffield’s artillery grew rapidly during its construction. Companies E and G were assigned to man the guns, which increased from two pieces to ten artillery pieces by early December 1861.

These guns were positioned to command the steep slopes and the approaches to West Point. The fort’s elevated position — nearly 300 feet above the river — gave the artillery exceptional range and visibility.

The guns were mounted behind the earthworks, with firing angles cut through the parapets. Soldiers practiced loading, aiming, and firing daily, even though the fort never saw a major battle.

One of the most unusual artillery stories connected to Fort Duffield involves the Stuckey Gun, an experimental rifled cannon invented by Stephen Stuckey of New Albany, Indiana. Stuckey was a river man, machinist, and owner of the American Foundry Co.

His cannon was considered more accurate than anything then used by the Union Army. But during its first test firing in New Albany, a metal ring snapped, causing the gun to explode and badly damage the barrel.

Wharf master Raynor volunteered to repair the damaged weapon and brought it to West Point. Here at Fort Duffield, the rebuilt rifled cannon was successfully test‑fired, proving the design’s potential.

Fort Duffield guarded the Union Army’s supply base at West Point. Steamboats unloaded food, ammunition, and equipment here, which were then hauled inland by wagon. Losing this depot would have crippled operations in Kentucky.

The fort’s artillery ensured that any Confederate force approaching from the valley or the river would face devastating fire from above. Even without a battle, the presence of ten guns deterred enemy movements in the region.