Atlanta Rolling Mill facts for kids
The Atlanta Rolling Mill was a very important factory in Atlanta, Georgia. It was built in 1858. This factory helped make metal products. It later became known as the Confederate Rolling Mill during the American Civil War. It was the second most productive rolling mill in the South. Only the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia made more.
Contents
What Was a Rolling Mill?
A rolling mill is a factory that shapes metal. It uses large rollers to flatten and stretch metal. This process makes strong sheets, bars, or rails. The Atlanta Rolling Mill was good at this. It often reshaped old railroad tracks.
Building a Key Factory
Lewis Schofield and James Blake built the mill in 1858. Soon after, Schofield and William Markham took over. They made it a very successful business. It became vital for the South.
Its Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the mill changed its focus. It still reshaped old railroad rails. But it also made new things for the war effort. It produced cannons and iron rails. It even made thick iron sheets. These sheets were used to cover the CSS Virginia. This was a famous warship for the Confederate navy.
Becoming the Confederate Rolling Mill
In 1863, new owners from Charleston, SC bought the mill. It was then renamed the Confederate Rolling Mill. It kept making its usual products. It also continued to produce cannons for the war.
The Mill's Destruction
The mill was destroyed on September 1, 1864. This happened shortly after midnight. Confederate General J.B. Hood was retreating from Atlanta. His soldiers set fire to 81 train cars. These cars were full of ammunition. They were parked near the mill. This was done to stop General Sherman from getting them.
The explosions were huge. They completely destroyed the mill. They also damaged buildings up to a quarter-mile away. The noise was so loud that General Sherman heard it. He was about 23 miles away at Lovejoy's Station.
Remembering the Mill
A street in Atlanta was named after the mill. Part of what is now Boulevard was once called Rolling Mill Street. This happened in the late 1860s. It honored the mill, even though it was already destroyed. The name was changed to Boulevard around 1880.
The mill was located in Cabbagetown. This is on the south side of the Georgia Railroad. It was just east of Oakland Cemetery. Today, the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill stands on its former site. This building is now used for homes.
