Selma Chosen for Confederate States Arsenal

From "Selma; Her Institutions, and Her Men" by John Hardy, pub. 1879:

The Confederate States were formed, and the men of the South called upon to sustain the new nation. Selma did not stand still; her manhood was aroused, and in a few short months five companies of gallant young men of the city was organized, ready to rally to the defense of the Southern movement.

Capt. N. H. R. Dawson, with the "Magnolia Cadets," composed of the first young men of the place, took the lead; followed by the "governor’s Guards," led by Capt. Thos. J. Goldsby, one of the most gallant young men of the State; then came the more sober, settled men of the city, composing the "Selma Blues," lead by Capt. Thomas C. Daniel, a most worthy citizen, and who gave up his Cashiership in the Commercial Bank to lead the Company, and who fell, leading his men, at the Second Battle of Manassas; the fourth was the brave and hardy men of the "Phenix Reds," composed of almost entirely of the working men of the city, lead by Capt. James M. Dedman, who was severely wounded at Vicksburg, and who afterwards was promoted for his bravery and gallantry; the fifth was Dr.. James Kent, with a company formed at Selma, Thus did our little city, in less than twelve months, furnish to the Confederate forces in the field, over six hundred men, rank and file.

The war began with its terrors, and with its destruction of life and property. In the surging of the billows, the advantages given by Nature to the location of Selma, soon became apparent. The Confederate government had to have cartridges, saltpeter, powder, shot and shell, rifles, cannon and steam rams, as well as men. For the production of all these articles, were faculties greater at Selma than any other place on the Confederacy. Col. Hunt, who had charge of the Nitre and Mining Bureau, was sent to Selma, who at once took steps to supplant the Megler Alabama Manufacturing Company, with the grand and powerful Naval Iron foundry, which, in a few months, turned out the largest and best cannon, and from Alabama iron, that had ever been manufactured in America, and before the end of the war, there was scarcely an army corps of the Confederate Army but cannon manufacture at Selma Naval Foundry was in their service.

The inexhaustible coal fields, the immense iron beds, the great abundance of lime rock, as well as the lead indications along the line of Alabama and Tennessee Railroad, pointed to Selma as the place to manufacture the substantial and durable materials of war; and by 1863, about every war material was manufactured within the limits of Selma. We had first magnitude and importance, the powerful Naval Foundry, under command of Capt. Jones, employing at least three thousand men in all its branches. An arsenal, within the walls of which, hundreds of people were employed in manufacture of cartridges, knap-sacks and clothing, commanded by Col. J. L. White.

The Central City Iron Works, under the command of Capt. Henry H. ware, making every conceivable material for war purposes, from a horseshoe nail to cannon carriages. The Central City Iron Foundry, an immense establishment for the making of crude iron pigs into any conceivable shape to destroy life and property, managed by M. Meyer, W. S. Knox, W. R. Bill and S. C. Pierce.

Dallas Iron Works, managed by John Robbins and Jacob McElroy.

The Alabama Factory, directed by Thomas B. Pierce, at which, every thing in the way of steam machinery was manufactured.

Brooks & Gainner directed a large manufactory of harness, trace chains, canteens and wagon gear.

A large Iron Works over which Phelan & McBride presided, where shell and shot of all conceivable form and size ware wrought.

Campbell’s foundry was taken possession of and put to work in making stream boilers and engines.

Works for manufactory of saltpeter were in full blast, under the control and direction of Jonathan Haralson.

A building covering over five acres of land, was erected in the eastern portion of the city, wt which, tons upon tons of powder of all variety was made, managed and directed by W. R. Rogers.

There were numerous other manufactories in every direction of the city, f various capacities, and directed to the wants of the new government.

Thus by 1863 did our little city present one busy scene of skill and labor, employing, at least ten thousand men and omen within our limits, The city was a perfect jam of people.

<- PREVIOUS PAGE    |   INDEX    |    NEXT PAGE ->



site by Com'See