Confederate Armory Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Confederate Armory Site
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | Holly Springs, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Area | area = 32 acres (13 ha) |
| Built | 1859 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000699 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1972 |
The Confederate Armory Site is a historic place in Holly Springs, Mississippi, USA. It was also known as the Jones, McElwain and Company Iron Foundry. Today, you can still see small ruins of the old foundry building.
This site has a rich history. It started as an iron foundry in 1859. Later, in 1861, it became an armory for the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. In November 1862, the Union Army used it as a hospital. Just a month later, Confederate soldiers burned it down.
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History of the Armory Site
The site is located in Holly Springs, which is the main town of Marshall County in northern Mississippi.
The Iron Foundry Begins
The Jones, McElwain and Company Iron Foundry started here in 1859. This company made iron products. You can still see some of the iron railings they made at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Holly Springs. They also made railings for places like New Orleans, Louisiana. The foundry also produced iron parts used on large farms.
The foundry was a big place. It had several buildings and smaller structures. There was also a tall chimney and ponds. These ponds provided water for the foundry's operations.
From Foundry to Armory
In 1861, the American Civil War began. This war lasted until 1865. During this time, a man named Wallace S. McElwain changed the foundry. He turned it into an armory for the Confederate States Army.
The Confederate government asked the armory to make many weapons. They wanted 20,000 rifles and 10,000 muskets. They also asked for 5,000 rifles for the state of Mississippi. However, no weapons made at this specific armory have ever been found. This suggests that the armory might have only repaired or changed existing weapons.
The armory was in danger after the Battle of Shiloh. So, the equipment was moved to Macon, Georgia. Any weapons they had were sent to Grenada, Mississippi.
Union Hospital and Destruction
On November 13, 1862, the Union Army arrived in Holly Springs. Union Major Horace R. Witz took over the armory. He turned it into a hospital for Northern soldiers. It was also used to store medical supplies for the Union Army.
However, on December 20, 1862, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn led an attack. He ordered the site to be burned down. After this, the site remained untouched for many years, until 1971.
Why This Site Is Important
The Confederate Armory Site is important because of its role in the Civil War. It shows how buildings were used and changed during that time. It also reminds us of the events that happened in Holly Springs.
The site has been recognized for its historical value. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 11, 1972. This listing helps protect and preserve the site for future generations.
