The building still stands in Athens at East Broad Street. The exterior is rock coursed in the bottom story and brick on the second. It also has a stair tower and is quite an interestingly designed building.
The operation was originally in New Orleans, but was forced to move after the fall of that city to Federal forces in 1862. They first moved to Vicksburg and then to Athens where they were plagued by a lack of skilled labor.
They contracted with the Confederate government to make Enfield rifles in the summer and fall of 1862. They projected to make 600 rifles a month, but never met that quota because of the labor problem. All in all,, they made between 3,800 and 4,000 weapons. Production ceased in 1864 when they were not reimbursed. Their labor force became the 23rd Battalion Georgia.
The property stood empty until 1870 when it became involved in the textile industry.
Sometimes, Your Best-Laid Plans Just Don't Work Out. -- B-R'er
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