Athens in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cook & Brother Confederate Armory
To this building in 1862 was brought the machinery of the armory established in New Orleans at the outbreak of the War by Ferdinand W.C. and Francis L. Cook, recent English immigrants, the former a skilled engineer for the manufacture of Enfield rifles, bayonets and cavalry horse shoes. Said to be the largest and most efficient private armory in the Confederacy. It produced a rifle declared by an ordnance officer to be "superior to any that I have seen of Southern manufacture." Under contract to supply 30,000 rifles to the Confederate Army the armory operated until its employees, organized as a reserve battalion under Major Ferdinand and Captain Francis Cook, were in 1864 called to active duty upon the approach of Sherman's army. The battalion took part in the battles of Griswoldville, Grahamville, Honey Hill and Savannah where Maj. Cook was killed. After Griswoldville Gen. P.J. Phillips reported that Maj. Cook and his men "participated fully in the action, deported themselves gallantly and suffered much from wounds and death." Leased by the Confederacy in 1865 the armory was operated until the close of the War. The property was bought by the Athens Manufacturing Co. in 1870.
Erected 1955 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 029-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 33° 57.515′ N, 83° 21.96′ W. Marker is in Athens, Georgia, in Athens-Clarke County. Marker is on East Broad Street east of First Street, on the left when traveling east. Armory is now the Chicopee Building, part of the University of Georgia. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens GA 30601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Power (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Water Power (within shouting distance of this marker); Cook & Brother Armory Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Water Power (within shouting distance of this marker); Making Things in the Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); A View to History (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Making Things in the Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); The Millstone (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,464 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3. submitted on October 29, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 4. submitted on September 9, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.