Rains Brothers --- New Bern NC
N 35° 06.709 W 077° 02.209
18S E 314376 N 3887341
Located on E. Front St. between King and Johnson St in New Bern NC
Waymark Code: WM81VB
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 01/11/2010
Views: 6
George and Gabriel Rains were brothers and munitions experts who served in the Confederate Armed Forces. Some called them "the Bomb Brothers." They grew up in a home next to this marker in New Bern.
George and Gabriel Rains were brothers - brilliant, articulate, industrious men in the 1800's. Both attended West Point and George even taught at West Point. Their true devotion was to the South and when the war came, both defected, bringing their skills with them. George eventually ended up heading the Niter and Mining Bureau and Gabriel, the Torpedo Bureau. Both became famous for their work and were later known as the "Bomb Brothers."
George perfected the art of gunpowder making and his Augusta Powder Works, created nearly 2.75 million pounds of the finest gunpowder anywhere.
Gabriel caused much torment on the waterways of the South. Perhaps his cleverest invention was a miniature bomb which resembled a lump of coal. Smuggled aboard a ship, it was then cast into the coal storage bin where an unsuspecting sailor or boiler tender would eventually throw it into the ship's boiler. Many fine vessels floundered helplessly after such a device exploded.
It is said the Rains prolonged the Civil War. Both lived to ripe old ages, one dying in the North and one in the South.
Marker is to the right of the house near the corner of the gate.
Name of Famous Person: Rains Brothers
Physical Address: E. Front St. between King and Johnson New Bern NC
What is this person famous for?:
Brig. Gen. Gabriel Rains and Col. George Rains, graduates of West Point, inventors of explosives for Confederacy. This was their boyhood home
Website verifying legitimacy of site: [Web Link]
Personal Experience:
Was down in New Bern geocaching and waymarking when I came across this because of a Historic Marker, cool house. I am still surprise on how well maintaned it is.
Additional Website verifying Site legitimacy: Not listed
Other information about area: Not listed
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