TSA Agents Discover Civil War-Era Cannonballs in Luggage at Alabama Airport

TSA officers at Gulf Shores International Airport in Alabama intercepted a unique prohibited item this week: five Civil War-era cannonballs discovered within a passenger’s checked luggage.

The discovery was made by a Transportation Security Administration agent during routine screening. The cannonballs were identified as artifacts stolen from the historic Fort Morgan. Officials determined the cannonballs to be inactive, but they are still classified as prohibited items under TSA regulations.

According to information released, a juvenile was responsible for taking the cannonballs from Fort Morgan and placing them into the checked bag. The grandmother of the juvenile was reportedly unaware of the artifacts’ presence in the luggage prior to the discovery by TSA.

Following the discovery and subsequent investigation, charges were declined. The Civil War-era cannonballs were subsequently returned to Fort Morgan, a coastal fortress located at the mouth of Mobile Bay, Alabama, which played a significant role during the Civil War.

The TSA routinely reminds travelers to be aware of prohibited items in both carry-on and checked baggage to avoid potential delays and issues during the security screening process. While the cannonballs were historical artifacts, their removal from a protected site and attempted transport through airport security highlights the importance of understanding regulations regarding the transport of such items.