SEAFORD, Va. (WAVY) — A cannonball was found buried in a yard Wednesday in Seaford.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s office said around 5:15 p.m. that they responded to a report of “something found buried in a yard” on Mastin Avenue in Seaford.
It appeared at the time to be an old cannonball.
Officials closed the road as they investigated.
Following the road closure, officials said Naval Weapons Station Yorktown had taken possession of the cannonball. The street reopened at that time.
Seaford resident Joshua Thompson said he owns the property where the cannonball was found.
His two sons and two other boys from the neighborhood were digging in the yard when they found it about two feet underground.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office said they brought it inside to show their parents. Thompson said he saw what they found and called the authorities.
The Navy explosive ordnance disposal team came to the scene to safely remove the cannonball. They shut the street down as they conducted the operation.
Thompson said he wasn’t allowed to keep the piece of history, per the Navy.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office said Navy officials identified the piece as a late Civil War cannonball from the Union Army. It possibly contained black powder based on the design. The Navy will dispose of it by explosion.
The sheriff’s office said anyone who find something that looks like a cannonball in their yard should call 911.
Stay with WAVY.com for updates.
(Photo courtesy: YPSO) 
(Photo courtesy: YPSO) 
(Photo courtesy: YPSO) 
(Photo courtesy: Joshua Thompson) 
(Photo courtesy: Joshua Thompson) 
(Photo courtesy: Joshua Thompson)
