Hello all,

I recently received this query from Ralph Eshelhon, one of the authors of *The War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. He is now working on new project, and could use some help. Here is the scope:

"May I inquire about military war suppliers in Virginia during the War of 1812.  I am working on a map showing gunpowder mills, iron furnaces that supplied cannons, balls, kettles, etc., copper works for sheet metal for ship hulls, arsenals and gun manufactories, ropewalks, shipyards, salt petre caves, etc.  I know of Gosport Naval Yard, Tarr Iron Furnace (today WV), Organ Cave (today WV), Harpers Ferry Federal Arsenal, Virginia Manufactory of Arms (Richmond), and Armistead Rope Walk (Norfolk).  Apparently Maj. John Clarke and noted Richmond lawyer, William Wirt, established a weapons factory in 1810 at what later became the Bellona Arsenal site just west of Richmond. Do you know anything more about it or others such sites?"

This is certainly above my capabilities, but I'm confident that more than a few you will have some good ideas. I will pass them along to him.

Craig


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