The Fayetteville Arsenal-- Part 3: Defending It From Sherman

The principal weapon produced was known as the Fayetteville Rifle.  At its peak, the armory produced 500 rifles a month and various numbers of larger ordnance, cartridges, swords and bayonets.  Over one hundred workmen from the Harpers Ferry Arsenal relocated to Fayetteville with their families.

In the middle war years, young ladies from the area were employed in the making of cartridges and as clerks.

In 1865, as Union General William Sherman began his Carolinas Campaign, it became apparent to the Confederate commander Col. Frederick L. Childs, that Fayetteville was going to be a major target.  When Sherman reached Columbia, S.C., Col. Childs ordered the construction of earthworks for the defense of the Fayetteville area.

Remnants of these earthworks can be seen on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Hospital on Ramsey Street in Fayetteville,.

--Old Secesh