History

The Beckley Iron Furnace once produced iron for the manufacture of railroad car wheels. It is Connecticut's best preserved example of a technology that has long since vanished. The structure is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Iron making had been a local industry that for 150 years shaped the formation of America. The Beckley blast furnace was built in 1847 and ceased operation in 1919. It produced iron primarily for the manufacture of railroad car wheels that gained a world wide reputation for their excellence and durability. The Furnace was a part of an industry that shaped both the cultural and ecological future of the entire region. The recently refurbished structure stands as the best preserved example of technology that has long since vanished.

Directions

Lower Road off Route 44 in the East Canaan section of the Town of North Canaan

For more information on the furnace, contact Ed Kirby at (860) 364-5147 or Ron Jones at (860) 435-9183 or write:
27 Woodcrest Lane
P.O. Box 1942
Lakeville, CT 06039

Trails

There are no marked hiking trails at this location.

Notice

If you search through the soil/dirt near the river banks, you can find "slag" from the furnace, which resembles strange looking glass pieces, very cool stuff, and lots of it if you look.

 

Maps

Topographic Map 71.9 Kb PDF