Centrally located in the deep South away from the threat of Federal forces, Macon was selected in April 1862 as the location of a huge center for the manufacture and distribution of nearly all of the military needs of the Confederate Armies. By late summer, the Confederate Government had established in Macon a large arsenal, its Central Armory and Laboratory. Before wars end it would even host a Treasury Depository for Confederate Gold. In Macon, various Government institutions manufactured, stockpiled and supplied cannon, ordnance, small arms, ammunition, chemicals, accoutrements, clothing, horse equipment and other necessary supplies for the Army of Tennessee, the Army of Mississippi and even the Army of Northern Virginia. In the closing days of the war, Lee’s and Johnston’s armistice allowed Macon’s Confederate facilities to survive certain destruction when they were surrendered with the city to the Federal cavalry under Gen. James Wilson on April 20^th, 1865.

The Macon Arsenal Pattern Saddle & Horse Equipment: To obtain more detailed information about Macon Arsenal horse equipment patterns, production and issue numbers including Confederate Ordnance Manual specifications for leather and hardware send $10 to Ken R. Knopp, Confederate Horse Equipment, P.O. Box 1322, Hattiesburg, Miss. 39403.

*****    Please be sure to request Atlanta Arsenal Production specs!