Abstract
The Northeast Texas Archeological Society, in conjunction with the East Texas, Dallas, and Tarrant County archeological societies, reinstated archaeological investigations at the Marshall Powder Mill (41HS17) in 1994 following several years of delicate negotiations with the landowner about the value of preserving this archaeological site. The Marshall Powder Mill manufactured gunpowder, small arms and cannon, and refurbished weaponry, and was one of several arsenals that served the Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederate States of America from 1863 to 1865. None have been thoroughly investigated archaeologically, however, thereby ignoring a major aspect of the Confederacy's war effort, and an important industrial enterprise. Building foundations, earthworks, roads, and an artificial channel race remain essentially undisturbed within the Loop 390 corridor and the privately-owned portions of the site; the eastern one-third of the site has been destroyed by a modern lumber mill. Although the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there is no concerted plan for preservation of this Civil War military-industrial complex. Little historical documentation exists as to the number and types of buildings, their locations, or the activities that were conducted at the Marshall Powder Mill. The single map in the National Archives was captured by Federal troops in 1864, and only indicates a few of the buildings and none of the earthworks. Apparently the Confederates were concerned with security, and the commander, Major George D. Alexander, destroyed or removed all records prior to Federal occupation of the site in 1865. Therefore, the archaeological remains speak the clearest about the Marshall Powder Mill's buildings and their functions, and may be the only sure means of reconstructing the layout and design of the arsenal, as well as ancillary fortifications, buildings, and structures around Marshall that date to the Civil War period.
Highlights
The Marshall Powder Mill manufactured gunpowder, small arms and cannon, and refurbished weaponry
The last professional archaeological investigations of the Marshall Powder Mill were conducted in the southern one-third of the site by the Texas Highway Department in the early 1970s, when the Loop 390 by-pass was constructed on the northern outskirts of Marshall (Weir 1973; Luke 1978: 137)
Three building foundations and an artificial pond were investigated within the direct highway impact zone
Summary
The Marshall Powder Mill manufactured gunpowder, small arms and cannon, and refurbished weaponry. The Northeast Texas Archeological Society (NETAS), in conjunction with the East Texas, Dallas, and Tarrant County archeological societies, conducted investigations at the Marshall Powder Mill (41HS17) Harrison County, Texas throughout 1994. The last professional archaeological investigations of the Marshall Powder Mill were conducted in the southern one-third of the site by the Texas Highway Department in the early 1970s, when the Loop 390 by-pass was constructed on the northern outskirts of Marshall (Weir 1973; Luke 1978: 137). Three building foundations (e.g., a large stone and brick building of unknown function, a blacksmith shop, and a possible sulphur distillery) and an artificial pond were investigated within the direct highway impact zone. Members of the Northeast Texas Archeological Society persuaded some of the landowners to restrict such looting and to allow a detailed re-evaluation of the site.
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