The south had a developed industrial sector pre-war:
The Tredegar Iron Works was a historic iron works in Richmond, Virginia, United States of America.[3] Opened in 1837, by 1860 it was the third-largest iron manufacturer in the United States.[4] During the American Civil War, the works served as the primary iron and artillery production facility of the Confederate States of America. The iron works avoided destruction during the Evacuation Fire of 1865, and continued production through the middle of the 20th century.
central_va quoting:
"The Tredegar Iron Works was a historic iron works in Richmond, Virginia, United States of America.[3]
Opened in 1837, by 1860 it was the third-largest iron manufacturer in the United States.[" Tennessee also developed heavy industry.
Quoting:
"There was little heavy industry in the South but the Western Iron District in Middle Tennessee was the largest iron producer in Confederacy in 1861.
One of the largest operations was the Cumberland Iron Works, which the Confederate War Department tried and failed to protect.[23]"
Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, VA:
Tennnessee's Cumberland Iron Works:
