Confederate Production of Ammunition and Gunpowder during the Civil War
    The intended purpose of this web site is to provide relevant and purposeful information in the study of how the Confederacy was able to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles to produce the necessary munitions for Southern armies.  This site first explores the pertinent background information and the lives of two men who were responsible for the overwhelming success of the Confederate Ordnance Department, Josiah Gorgas and John Mallet.  From the brief biographical account the site dives into a closer look at the production and manufacturing of gunpowder and ammunition that provided the Confederate armies with more then sufficient amounts.  This site is designed for anyone with a thirst for knowledge pertaining to the Civil War.  It is my hope that this site enlightens and indulges the imagination of the viewer to a more than notable topic that receives little attention.  For any questoins or comments pertaining to this web site click here.
    Daniel J. Grantham
    Mary Washington College Undergraduate Student
 
    Four years of blood-wrenching conflict engulfed the United States during the latter half of the nineteenth century.  The two foes stood at war in 1861, both possessing inadequate supplies to carry on a large-scale operation.  The Confederacy, especially, possessed no technology or any infrastructure for industry to produce the required munitions to maintain a large army in the field.  Jefferson Davis exclaimed, “it soon became evident to all that the South had gone to war without counting the cost.  Our chief difficulty was the want of arms and munitions of war” (Brock 1909, 1).  Obviously the need for gunpowder and ammunition was crucial in order for the South to sustain any campaign against their aggressive neighbor.   The Confederate States of America compensated for this dilemma with the effective leadership of Josiah Gorgas, the chief of the Confederate Ordnance Department, and his assistant Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mallet.  Through their successful organization these two patriotic Confederates equipped the South with ammunition and gunpowder for the duration of the war.