The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Brown's Island Munitions Explosion-- Part 4

Marking the 150th anniversary of this horrific event.

Today, Brown's Island still exists, but has much different uses.  It is part of the James River Park with walkways, concerts and home of the James River Beer and Seafood Festival.

It was formed in 1789 by the creation of the Haxall Canal.  The Haxall Canal was originally designed by George Washington according to one source and connects the larger Kanawha Canal with the James River.

The first settler was Elijah Brown in 1826, for whom the island is named.  During the Civil War, it was the home of the Confederate States Laboratory which made ammunition.

A Follow-up.  --Old Secesh

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