Confederate Powderworks, Civil War industrial site in Augusta, United States
Confederate Powderworks was an industrial complex along the Augusta Canal that manufactured gunpowder during the Civil War. The original 26-building facility now survives primarily as a brick chimney and informational markers that tell the story of wartime production.
The facility opened in 1862 under Colonel George Washington Rains, who managed production until the war ended in 1865. The factory continued operating through the major military campaigns in the region and remained active until the conflict concluded.
The tall brick chimney that remains is the last building the Confederate government actually constructed, displaying Gothic-style architectural details. Visitors can see this structure and connect to the story of wartime gunpowder production through the physical remains.
The site is located at 1717 Goodrich Street in Augusta and is accessible during daylight hours at no cost. The historic remains and informational plaques are best viewed during clear weather when details are easier to see.
The powder works produced millions of pounds of gunpowder over its four years of operation for the war effort. A notable detail is that the facility managed to keep producing through significant military activity in the region.
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