 Ironmaker to the Confederacy back in PrintJust over a year ago the Library of Virginia approached Richmond National Battlefield Park about reprinting Charles Dew's classic history on Tredegar Iron Works, Ironmaker to the Confederacy. Supported by Richmond National Battlefield Park's cooperating association, Eastern National, the request became a reality and the book is now available in the park's bookstore for $25.00 No Southern manufacturer played a more important role supporting the Confederate war effort than Tredegar and its proprietor Joseph R. Anderson. The foundry produced railroad rails, over a thousand cannon, and iron plating used on the ironclad CSS Virginia. All of this occurred despite constant struggles to obtain labor, both free and slave, and limited row materials. Anderson's effectiveness kept Tredegar in business until the last days of the Confederacy. The revised edition includes a new introduction, preface and redesigned site maps. These items, combined with photos and a comprehensive index make Ironmaker to the Confederacy a welcome addition to any library. |
