History of the Confederate Powder Works

"History of the Confederate Powder Works" by George Washington Rains is a firsthand record depicting the creation and running of the Confederate Powder Works, a critical asset for the Confederate Army’s gunpowder supply during the Civil War. The author, who held a leadership position in the Confederate Army, shares his experiences and knowledge to describe the complex setup of a much-needed manufacturing site during conflict. Rains focuses on explaining his important work in building the Augusta, Georgia, powder works, built to address the South's unreadiness for a long-term conflict. He thoroughly reviews the methods for purifying saltpetre, obtaining necessary materials, and the steps for gunpowder manufacturing. The book highlights the technical obstacles, the clever solutions developed to deal with supply deficiencies, and the essential part the powder works played in the Confederacy's war effort. Also included are recounts of destructive explosions, safety steps put in place, and the factory's ultimate success in manufacturing more than two million pounds of gunpowder by the end of the Civil War.