Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-04-16
United states Arsenal

We presume that most of our citizens
aware that the Government is building AN arsenal
east OF the city limits. but are not full. apprised
of It's dimensions and importance The work OF
preparing the plans for the building was com
meuced about six months since. and principally
matured under the supervision OF Captain /. j
Treadwell of the Ordnance CorDs, then COM
mandant o. the Arsenal. and assisted by Mr.
HodgsOn, Architect of this city These gentle
men engaged heartily ia their duties. and were
interchangeable ia their efforts to perfect the plans
and arrangements for the commencement OF the
works That portion of the works which it Is
designed TO complete this year. will be the store
house; the materials of this. aud of the balance
of the works are of blue limestone from the
quarries of North Vernon, Jennings county, this
State the bricks are to be made on the ground
The portion of the works TO be erected this year,
is about 300 feet by 100 feet. aud will be ~ lee,
TO The top of the cornice: having tower 40 feet
square on the south front about the middle OF its
length with promenade on the top. protected
BY parapet wall that rises 81 feet above the
main building The north front Is relieved by
projection Of IL feet by 20 in the rear of the
tower, having a pediment finish. the apex of
which il level with the ridge OF the central
building. the roof OF which is hiuped on the east
aud west This portion OF the work stands Oh a
bold rustcateG pliuth about four feet high. on
the top OF which, high "a The first story
the quoins are dressed with boldly rusticated
work and finished at this point with belt course
which surrounds the entire building, from whence
the corners spring double pilasters of large
Dimensions, with nodded bases aud capitals ex-
tending up To the cornice OF the main building
with proper cornce projections. These piIasters
constructed in sections. alternate belts of
rough and dressed stone. producing an agreeable
effect Entrance is obtained into the building
through two boldly rustcated arch ways IN the
main tower from whence access is had To all
parts of the building by means of large stair
WAYS situated In the tower, which extends 10 the
top with landing at each floor In the center
of this tower large hatchways are constructed.
surrounded with heavy balu-trades. through
which munitions OF war are hoisted to the upper
portion of the building by means of large
hoi,tIng apparatus.
The main building is divided into three stories,
with large cellar beneath The floor of each
story is supported by twenty two massive COL
umns. There being no partitions. the Of
each story is equal to about IL 900 superficial
feet and the whole will be capable of storing
about 600 900 stand of arms and accoutrements.
Estimates have been made and forwarded to
Washington for the continuation of the works
which comprise work shops, store-houses for
heavy ordnance. magazines, officers quarters
anu fencing oil the entire grounds, and no doubt
they will be continued from time to time until
they have been completed. and when completed
will be the best works of this class in the country
and can not fail TO add much To the business and
prosperity OF Indianapolis. and will he an honor
t. all connected with them. The probable cost
OF that portion of the works intended to be
erected this year will be about Sl0a 600
Some time in February Cant. TIeadwe was
relieved by Capt WhittemOrc. who is now in
charge of the Arsenal. Capt Treadwe being
ordered To West Point as Professor of Mathe-
mates and Gunnery Since Capt WhttemOre
has had charge of the work contracts have been
entered into with parties for material and work
manship. and every preparation is being made to
push forward the work and to complete the build
ing as soon rs practicable.
Much credit j. due To the persons above named,
and also To Capt Wey Military Storekeeper.
and indeed to all engaged in the work, foe the
skill and energy with which il has been and Is
being conducted IL i supposed that the first
building will be completed this year.