Confederate Powder Works Chimney Rededicated

On a warm afternoon October 9th, 2010, the Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans along with over 100 re-enactors rededicated the newly refurbished Confederate Powder Works Chimney in Augusta. Almost 400 attendees listened as Commander Lee Herron rededicated the chimney and its attached flag as a “permanent monument and memorial to the Confederate States of America, to honor the military service of the Confederate soldier, to honor the cause for which the Confederate soldier fought, and to the memory of every Confederate soldier whose name is mentally inscribed upon its entire surface.”

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Chip L. Bragg, author of the book, Never for Want of Powder, who spoke of the advanced technology incorporated in the Augusta Powder works, and the tremendous amount of powder produced by the factory which was used primarily for artillery and small arms. Compatriot Ken Temples read his tribute poem, Beneath that Chimney in the Sky and special recognition was given to those who made significant contributions to the restoration of the chimney.

The ceremony culminated in a triple volley, respectively, by thirteen artillery pieces and a rifle salute by Confederate infantry re-enactors lined along the canal in a double column with a color guard featuring the flags of the Confederacy and the Southern states scattered throughout. The thunderous salute startled the residents of Harrisburg and awed the attendees.

Following the ceremony, the camp presented a small bottle of fly ash from the chimney to each re-enactor as a memento of the event.

Artillery Prepare for Volley

Dr. Chip L. Bragg