In July 1892 George and Socrates Harrison, Susanville contractors were rebuilding the porch steps  of the Steward House Hotel located on the northwest corner of Main and Gay Streets. They discovered the remnants of a historic relic—a small cannon.

According to Adam D. Elledge (1827-1924) the Plumas County officials brought the weapon with them in 1863 during the episode that became known as the Sagebrush War. It was never used. After a truce was held, it appears someone “liberated” the cannon and hid  it the corner of the foundation of the Steward House which was under construction. A year later, it was removed, and it was noted it  was fully loaded. So it was discharged, but not in a good way. The muzzle was plugged and sent shrapnel of the cannon into the area, a piece that struck and tore a big hole in the Susanville School a few blocks of way. At least no one was injured. The remains of the cannon were put back in its original hiding place, until it was unearthed in 1892 and given to Elledge.

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