Intermediate between the field gun and mortar was the howitzer which fired an explosive shell on a curved trajectory against enemy personnel or fortifications.

Since the United States had few copper and no known tin deposits, in 1800 Secretary of War Henry Dearborn recommended that all cannons be cast from iron.

Because these efforts were not successful, the Ordnance Board of 1831 under Alexander Macomb decided that field artillery pieces should be manufactured from bronze.

[5] Two bronze 24-pounder howitzers that were produced for the Confederate States survive from the Western Foundry of Quinby and Robinson in Memphis, Tennessee.

Because the larger bore of the Austrian howitzers was 5.87 in (14.9 cm), Confederate gunners were advised to wrap their ammunition in canvas.

[6] The Model 1841 bronze 24-pounder howitzer barrel was 65.0 in (165.1 cm) from the base ring to the muzzle and weighed 1,320 lb (599 kg).

At 5° elevation, the gun could throw the shell a distance of 1,322 yd (1,209 m) with the standard propellant charge of 2.0 lb (0.91 kg).

[11] The US Army Model 1841 series artillery performed splendidly during the Mexican-American War, earning an excellent reputation for maneuverability and reliability.

[13] During the Battle of Monterrey on 21–24 September 1846, Zachary Taylor's army conducted an ineffectual bombardment of the Black Fort with two 24-pounder howitzers and one 10-inch mortar.

[14] During the Battle of Buena Vista on 22–23 February 1847, two 24-pounder howitzers and six companies of volunteers were left behind to garrison Saltillo.

[18] Edward McAllister's Battery D, 1st Illinois Light Artillery Regiment was armed with three cast iron 24-pounder howitzers at the Battle of Fort Donelson during which two of the guns were disabled.

[19] Frederick Welker's Battery H, 1st Missouri Light Artillery Regiment was armed with two 24-pounder howitzers at the Second Battle of Corinth in October 1862.

In June 1864, the position was attacked by the 22nd South Carolina Infantry Regiment which was repulsed with 17 men killed.

[22] During the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862, a Confederate unit, Landis' Missouri Battery was armed with four guns, two of which were 24-pounder howitzers.

[26] The Union Army of the Potomac employed none at Antietam, but at the Battle of Harpers Ferry, the Confederates captured 47 Federal artillery pieces, including six 24-pounder howitzers.