On the 20th of July, 1861, I examined the Augusta Canal and resources of the city, and later selected the location of the Powder [p10] Works, beginning at the site of the United States old Magazine, half a mile from the western city limit. Land adjacent was purchased, and also that between the canal and the river for a distance of two miles, so that the different buildings required, might be separated by intervals of at least one thousand feet for safety in case any one of them should have an explosion.
It was remarkable that the most favorable conditions required in the erection of an extensive Powder manufactory, were all met at this location, and nowhere else attainable. These are:
1. A central point of the country, for obvious reasons.
2. On a main line of railroad communication, to distribute the products to all parts of the country.
3. On a canal or river, which could afford a safe and economical means of transportation of the pulverized materials in process of manufacture, at the same time affording the necessary water-power to the different buildings.
4. In the neighborhood of a town or city, from which mechanics and employees, as well as necessary articles, could be obtained.
5. A location near which the best building materials could be procured for permanent structures.
6. A temperate climate, where operations could be continued throughout the year without obstructions from ice, and to avoid the hazard and expense of warming the building.
7. A district of country free from lime and earthy salts, so that the large amount of water required in the operations of the Saltpetre Refinery should be as nearly pure as possible.
8. A location which would insure an abundant and cheap supply of the proper kind of wood required in the making of gunpowder.