Our founder, Michael J. Hadley

A treasure hunter and adventurer, Captain Mike Hadley founded the Historical Cannon Replica business more than 20 years ago. He was working on the "1733 Plate Fleet", searching for shipwrecks off the Florida Keys when he was contacted by the Key West Historical Society for help in locating a 10" Civil War Rodman cannon. At that time Captain Mike had been working on a concept to replicate artillery using fiberglass as a much cheaper, more durable, and practical alternative to the usual alloys. The Historical Society decided this was a better solution to their needs than a long-drawn-out, costly and potentially fruitless search, and a new business was born. Sadly, Mike Hadley died in 2001 but his exacting standards, scrupulous attention to detail and pride in our product are still maintained throughout the company. We love to build these.... Great Guns