"P" is for the Palmetto Armory. The Palmetto Armory was a short-lived effort to establish a weapons-manufacturing capability in South Carolina during the secession crisis of 1849-1852. In 1850, following Governor Whitemarsh B. Seabrook's recommendation, the General Assembly created a Board of Ordnance and appropriated $350,000 for weapons and munitions. The Board contracted with the Armory to produce muskets, rifles, pistols, and cavalry sabers—all of which were to be of current US Army pattern. But, they to be manufactured wholly within the state. There is evidence, however, that some components were manufactured elsewhere. Production ceased when the contract expired in 1853. The Armory was then converted into the Palmetto Iron Works. During the Civil War, the Armory was unsuccessful in obtaining Confederate Army contracts and produced only a few artillery projectiles. The Palmetto Armory was burned during Sherman's occupation of Columbia.