Parrott, Robert Parker, 1804-1877

Biography

Robert Parker Parrott (October 5, 1804 – December 24, 1877) was an American soldier and inventor of military ordnance. Born in Lee, New Hampshire, he was the son of John Fabyan Parrott. He graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy, third of the Class of 1824. Parrott was assigned to the 3rd U.S. Artillery as a second lieutenant. He remained at West Point as an instructor until 1829, then had garrison duty and served as a staff officer in operations against the Creek Indians early in 1836 before moving to Washington, D.C., in July as Captain of Ordnance. He resigned from the army four months later to become the superintendent the West Point Iron and Cannon Foundry in Cold Spring, New York, with which he would be associated for the remainder of his life. In 1860 he produced the Parrott rifle, an innovative rifled cannon which was manufactured in several sizes.

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