Findlay Iron Works/Macon Arsenal

Findlay Iron Works/Macon Arsenal

In April 1851, Findlay revealed his plans for an expansion of his Macon foundry to encompass a full city block along Oglethorpe and Third Street on the southern side of Macon. At the cost of $20,000, Findlay constructed a two-and-a-half-story building with a width of 50 feet and length of 312 feet. Findlay installed 130 windows for natural light and ventilators to ensure air circulation. He even laid tracks to transport heavier products around the factory. The building was stuffed with a machine shops, finishing rooms, a smithy, foundry rooms and casting and woodworking machinery. Findlay’s factory included other buildings with forges, office buildings and more.