Tahawus in Essex County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
David Henderson
1807-1845
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
1. David Henderson Marker
A BORN LEADER
David Henderson was an important driving force behind the iron making operations and the construction of the necessary support facilities at Adirondac. He was resourceful, energetic, smart, and personable. Unfortunately, he met with a calamitous death that was a blow to the whole effort.
1826
• Henderson accompanied a party, led through Indian Pass by a Native American named Lewis Elijah, to investigate a source of rich iron ore Lewis had discovered while hunting along the Hudson.
1832
• Work began at Adirondac, while Henderson was not on site, he was an active managing partner.
I found the place very much altered in appearance for the better - an excellent road from the landing to the settlement, and a straight level street from the house to the saw mill, good and dry, nearly completed- the wood cut down a considerable distance south of the house, from the mountain to the River – and all clear to Lake Henderson. - Henderson upon arriving at Adirondac in 1833 after a time away.
1839
• Adirondack Iron & Steel Co. formed with Henderson as a principal partner. Henderson took charge of the iron works and managed the operation on site.
1844
• Henderson returned to England where
this page online
• Henderson was directly involved with. the design and construction of the first blast furnace, and production grew under Henderson's management.
• Henderson traveled to England to consult with a steel expert about making steel using charcoal as the fuel.
1845
• Henderson refused to give up in spite of many setbacks. He experimented and persisted until iron was being produced, in part, by force of his own willpower.
• Henderson was killed by accidental discharge of his own pistol.
Erected by Open Space Institute.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.
Location. 44° 5.345′ N, 74° 3.366′ W. Marker is in Tahawus, New York, in Essex County. Marker is on Upper Works Road (Route 25) 9.9 miles north of Blue Ridge Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at the trailhead for the Henderson Trail and at the end of the Upper Works 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. Making Iron (a few steps from this marker); Coe Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Money Men
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
2. David Henderson
Scottish born, Henderson came to America
as a young man and became a partner in a
pottery manufacturing business in Jersey
City, New Jersey. He married the daughter
of Archibald McIntyre, one of the founders
of the iron works.
Regarding David Henderson. David Henderson was a polymath and seemingly a force of nature. The effects of Henderson’s efforts can still be seen 150 years later in Tahawus and the High Peaks Region.
David was already running a iron making business when he went exploring in this region looking for silver deposits in 1826. His guide, an Indian trapper called Lewis Benedict, showed him the high grade iron deposits at Tahawus. The land and new OSI markers here tell the story of his efforts to develop these deposits.
David was more than businessman. He was writer, artist, musician and a bit of a naturalist. For example, he wanted a pet moose. He was able to effectively organize and lead large groups of men.
It was only Henderson’s talents that got the iron making project as far as it did. Coke based blast
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
3. Henderson Monument
This Monument was
erected by Henderson's
children at the site of his
accidental death on the
edge of Calamity Pond.
The inscription on the monument reads: This monument erected by filial affection, to the memory of our dear father, David Henderson who accidentally lost his life on this spot. 3rd September 1845.
The inscription on the monument reads: This monument erected by filial affection, to the memory of our dear father, David Henderson who accidentally lost his life on this spot. 3rd September 1845.
Also see . . . David Henderson: The Prince of Adirondac. Adirondack Almanack website entry (Submitted on April 20, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 28, 2020
4. The Sacrifice
Henderson was multi-talented, he
entertained the men with violin music,
and he was a skilled artist; he drew this pen and ink and titled it "The Sacrifice.
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 28, 2010
5. David Henderson Monument at Calamity Creek
The monument was brought in by sled during the winter.
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 28, 2010
6. David Henderson Marker
On September 3, 1845, Henderson, his son, and guide John Cheney were scouting for places to join the Hudson and the Opalescent when they reached a small pond inhabited by some ducks. Henderson handed his gun to Cheney to shoot the birds, but he didn't get a shot off. Returning the firearm to Henderson, Henderson put it in his backpack, which he soon set on a rock. The gun went off, fatally wounding Henderson. The pond was named Calamity Pond, and the stream flowing through it became known as Calamity Brook. (from A History of The McIntyre Mine)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 571 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 20, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 5, 6. submitted on April 21, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
