The Fayetteville Arsenal-- Part 2: N.C. Takes Over, Center for Confederate Small Arms

When North Carolina seceded from the Union, Governor Ellis instructed Warren Winslow to bring about, peacefull if possible, the surrender of the arsenal.  General Walker Droughon, in command of N.C. militia mobilized the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry (FILI) under the command of Major Wright Huske, and the LaFayette Light Infantry commanded by Lt. Joseph B. Starr.

These and other troops set the Confederates at around 500 troops.on April 22, 1861.  Lt. DeLagnel of the Union forces came out, took a look at the size of the Confederate force and decided it would be fruitless to resist and surrendered.  His troops vacated the arsenal on April 22.

Rifle-making machinery from the arsenal at Harpers Ferry were transferred to the Fayetteville Arsenal in October 1861 and this arsenal became a major supplier of small arms to Confederate troops.

--Old Secesh