Tag: Confederate States Leadworks (Petersburg VA)

The Petersburg Project says: The C.S.A. Leadworks at Petersburg were constructed by Josiah Gorgas, head of the Ordnance Bureau, in summer 1862 in order to provide a vital material for small arms and artillery ammunition. Gorgas, a West Point graduate from Pennsylvania, used his pre-war experiences at U.S. arsenals to develop this new smelting capacity for the South.

The works were located near the Weldon Rail Road and Halifax Road southwest of the city. Lead ore was transported to Petersburg via rail and lead ingots sent to Richmond, also via rail.