During the American Revolution, 80% of the cannons
produced in The Colonies were made at the Salisbury Iron Furnace.

The Berkshire Mountains, Taconic Range and Litchfield Hills are united by a unique geological band that spans over 100 miles from southern Vermont to Kent, CT.  Local settlers in the early 1700s were the first to discover this narrow band of densely populated iron deposits when their compasses continuously behaved strangely.  Recognizing a profitable opportunity, the tri-state region joined together in an “iron rush” before the turn of the century – resulting in numerous small “bloomery” operations and a few mammoth blast furnaces, all working to convert iron ore into wrought iron.

Constructed to withstand the most grueling conditions, many of these furnaces and forges still stand today.  Explore a region that is congealed by far more than its close-knit communities by visiting the area’s blast furnaces – our symbolic reminders of the unique, enduring strength that lies beneath the spirit of the Foothills.

Beckley Furnace – East Canaan, CT
Salisbury Iron Ore – Salisbury, CT
Kent Iron Furnace – Kent, CT
Copake Iron Works – Copake, NY