Woodbridge in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Neabsco Ironworks & Mills
1747
Metz Wetlands
Wealthy planter John Tayloe founded Neabsco Ironworks near here in 1747. Within five years, Neabsco was producing 600 tons of pig iron yearly, dominating a 9,000-acre tract of land bounded by the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers. In pre-revolutionary Virginia, ironworks like Neabsco contributed significantly to the Chesapeake region's export of 5,000 tons of pic iron annually, worth £30,000 sterling. John Tayloe II expanded operations to include building vessels used to transport raw and finished materials. Neabsco provided arms during the American Revolution, and the mills were operational during the War of 1812.
The complex included two furnaces, water-powered saw and grist mills, quarters for workers, pit mines, trench mines, a water collection pond, ore roasting area, storage and a small forge. The tract's farm produced food for workers and acres of timber for firewood and building materials.
Erected by Prince William County Department of Public Works.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era
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Location. 38° 36.356′ N, 77° 16.787′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Neabsco Road, 0.3 miles west of Kenilworth Court, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16000 Macedonia Dr, Woodbridge VA 22191, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Julie J. Metz Amphitheater (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leesylvania (about 700 feet away); Confederate Winter Camps (about 700 feet away); War in the Chesapeake (about 700 feet away); Collo. Richard Blackburn (approx. half a mile away); Stones, but No Bones (approx. half a mile away); The Burying Ground (approx. 0.6 miles away); Neabsco Creek (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodbridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
