Charlotte Navy Yard-- Part 2: Varied Output

The government in Richmond purchased land in Charlotte and the navy yard quickly started taking place. In early May, the first equipment, including lathes, planers and a small steam hammer were moved to the city.

And this was no backwater facility. It manufactured nearly all of the propellers, shafts and anchors for the Confederate Navy. Although the complete power plants for ships (boilers and engines) weren't made there, many of the parts were.

The Charlotte Navy Yard was the only one capable of such heavy forging. They also produced ordnance for vessels, including gun carriages. In June 1863, Charlotte became responsible for casting all the shot and shell for the vessels in Charleston and Savannah.

In addition, special shot, able to penetrate Union ironclads, was produced.

The navy yard continued operation until the flight of the Confederate government in April 1865.

--Old B-Runner