C. S. Laboratory
Information about the C. S. Laboratory in Richmond, VA during the Civil War

The Confederate States Laboratory was located on Brown's island in the James River. In the early part of the war, cartridge-making was conducted at Thomas' factory, but the operations were moved to Brown's Island, apparently over concerns about safety.

Written Accounts

1861-07-04, Richmond Dispatch; lengthy (and graphic) account of an explosion near Thomas' Factory and the State Armory which killed local chemist Joseph Laidley
1861-07-08, Richmond Dispatch; word of caution about conditions at the cartridge making facility at Thomas's Factory
1861-07-11, Richmond Whig; percussion caps will be manufactured at Brown's Island
1861-07-13, Richmond Dispatch; description of cartridge making in Thomas' factory, and refutation of the claim that care is not taken there
1861-07-22, Richmond Whig; 370 women and girls are employed making cartridges
1861-08-02, Richmond Enquirer; 200 white girls needed to work at the C. S. Laboratory making cartidges
1861-08-16, Richmond Dispatch; list of donations to the St. Charles Hospital - includes donations from the children at the Lancastrian school, as well as the workers of the C. S. Laboratory
1861-09-27, Richmond Enquirer; fire at the laboratory in Thomas' factory - workers flee, but fire is contained
1861-09-27, Richmond Examiner; Fire at C. S. Laboratory
1861-09-27, Richmond Whig; Fire at the C. S. Laboratory - urges movement of laboratory from a central location for safety reasons

Page 1 of 10

Go to top