After the Civil War and for several years to come, Confederate veterans returned home where readjustments to daily life were many. Many soldiers suffered debilitating injuries, returning home without limbs or losing them later due to complications of old injuries.
Did you know that North Carolina was the first state to provide artificial limbs to its Confederate amputees after the Civil War? This was in response to a similar Federal program. The state provided limbs at no charge and also offered a $70 allowance to those who wanted to choose their own leg or go without one. Arms were priced at $50.
Jewett's Patent Leg Company set up manufacturing at the site of the Raleigh bayonet factory near the R&G railroad on Salisbury Street, between North and Johnson Streets, in 1866-7. A more extensive description of this early social program can be found at the website for the historical marker that was placed near the former bayonet factory/leg company. View here.See information about Jewett's Patent here.
View an image of one of the two Jewett limbs held by the state.
