It was mentioned here 2 years ago, but this Saturday is the 150th anniversary of the worst wartime disaster in Richmond. The Times Dispatch has a nice article on this as the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar prepares for it. You can learn more Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center, by taking a tour or trying one of the jobs related to making the material of war.
Oregon Hill
News For Oregon Hill, in Richmond, VA
Many of these young girls, including Mary Ryan, lived in Oregon Hill. It is really frightening that these young girls worked in such a dangerous environment.
Here is a 1865 Gardener photo of the Small Ammunition Laboratory on Browns Island: http://www.mdgorman.com/images/845a.jpg