Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America (CSA) for most the Civil War. Not only was Richmond the seat of political power, it was a vital source of ammunition, weapons, supplies, and manpower for the CSA. Due to its symbolic and strategic importance, it was the target of numerous attacks by the Union. Its proximity to the fighting led to its becoming a center of hospitals and military prisons. The city finally fell to Union forces on April 3, 1865, with large portions of the city destroyed by fires set during the evacuation.
The Tredegar Iron Works (TIW) supplied high-quality munitions to the Confederacy during the war. Tredegar is also credited with the production of approximately 10,000 artillery pieces during the war which was about half of the South's total domestic production of artillery. Numerous smaller factories in Richmond produced tents, uniforms, harnesses, leather goods, swords, bayonets, and other war material. As the war progressed, the city's warehouses became the supply and logistical center. Richmond was also a transportation hub, the terminus of five railroads.
After a long siege, Grant captured Petersburg and Richmond in early April 1865. As the fall of Petersburg became imminent, on Evacuation Sunday (April 2), President Davis, his Cabinet, and the Confederate defenders abandoned Richmond and fled south. The retreating soldiers were under orders to set fire to bridges and warehouses with supplies as they left. The fire in the largely abandoned city spread out of control, and large parts of Richmond were destroyed. The fire, uncontrolled, was not completely extinguished until the mayor and other civilians surrendered the city. Union troops put out the raging fires in the city. The event became known as the Evacuation Fire.
Because of heavy rains, we only spent time in the NB exhibits and the TIW. I am still amazed as to how, 150 years ago, the TIW could take iron ore, melt it into iron. Then, using mostly water power and coal, fabricate machinery that manufactured cannons, iron cladding for the CSS Virginia and forge products necessary to support a major war.
We stopped briefly at Malvern Hill and Fort Harrison to get our NPS Passport books stamped. The Chimborazo museum was closed.