Tahawus in Essex County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Monumental Structure
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
1. A Monumental Structure Marker
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE INSIDE?
Cutaway view shows the inside details of the heart of the furnace.
Based on drawings by the Historic American Engineering Record.
(1) Bosh-widest part of the furnace, lined with uncut firestone.
(2 Firebrick lining- imported from off site, tapers to the top of furnace.
(3) Hearth- sandstone block construction.
(4) Rubble- used to fill void between stone and firebrick
(5) Stone masonry-skillfully placed and fitted.
(6) Tuyere arch- two courses of common brick and one course of firebrick.
BUILT TO LAST
This massive stone structure stands as a monument to the perseverance of the men who designed, built, and operated it despite harsh conditions and uncertain prospects for success. It incorporated innovative design features and was among the most technologically sophisticated charcoal-burning furnaces in the United States. Completed in 1854, it has stood on this site, with almost no care or repair, for over 150 years.
- Exhaust gases from the furnace circulated around retorts (heat exchange tubes) and heated the blast air.
- Air-supply pipe (now missing) carried air from the blowing cylinders.
- Dressed corners and tapered arches reveal the skill and craftmanship that went into the stonework and
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- Cooling water supply to prevent the tuyere from melting.
- Stone channel (called the sow) carried molten iron to the casting house.
- Massive stone blocks cut from local bedrock and shaped by skilled masons.
- Wrought-iron rods and anchors reinforced the furnace.
- Downcomer pipe conducted super-heated air from the blast stove to the bustle pipe (now lying on the ground).
- Common bricks made from local clay.
- Blast Stove Chimneys, (now missing)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 44° 4.73′ N, 74° 3.359′ W. Marker is in Tahawus, New York, in Essex County. Marker can be reached from Upper Works Road (County Route 25) 9.1 miles Blue Ridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newcomb NY 12879, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hudson Powered (here, next to this marker); Making Bricks (here, next to this marker); “New” McIntyre Furnace (a few steps from this marker); An Iron Making Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Heavy Construction (within shouting distance of this marker); Tahawus Clubhouse (approx. half a mile away); Adirondac (approx. half a mile away); MacNaughton Cottage (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tahawus.
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
2. Upper Inset
HEARTH FACEPLATE
Each of the four arched openings is spanned by an iron face plate, an inch thick casting that supports the back of the arch across the hearth opening.
Each of the four arched openings is spanned by an iron face plate, an inch thick casting that supports the back of the arch across the hearth opening.
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
3. A Monumental Structure Marker
Photographed By Steve Stoessel
4. A Monumental Structure Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 13, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
