Pittsfield in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Cotton Mill

1826

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Cotton Mill Marker

Inscription. In 1826 James Joy formed Pittsfield Mfg., Inc. and built a five-story wooden mill on this spot. It burned the next year but immediately was reconstructed of bricks made near Webster's Mills and operated until 1948. In 1951 it was converted into a tannery. In 1995 the entire building was destroyed by fire and the present structure was erected. The original granite lintel stone dated 1827 was rescued and placed in this new factory.

Erected 1999 by Pittsfield Historical Society. (Marker Number 25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, Pittsfield Historical Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 43° 18.317′ N, 71° 19.827′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Joy Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5 Main St, Pittsfield NH 03263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Factory Dam Operating Mechanisms (a few steps from this marker); Cotton Mill Steam Pump (within shouting distance of this marker); Agents' House (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Dr. R.P.J. Tenney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cram's Purchase (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonathan “Jocky” Fogg, Patriot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tuttle Block (about 400 feet away); Washington House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsfield.

Also see . . . Pittsfield Historical Trail (PDF). Historical guide for a 1.5-mile loop trail developed by the Pittsfield Historical Society. The trail stops at three dozen historical sites that were typical of New England communities more than a century ago: homes, churches, schools, industrial and commercial buildings as well as dams and bridges. (Submitted on November 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Cotton Mill Marker

Pittsfield Cotton Mill image. Click for full size.

unknown; via Pittsfield Historical Society (Public Domain)

3. Pittsfield Cotton Mill

It replaced an earlier mill destroyed in a fire possibly set by agrarian arsonists angry the mill was attracting rural women away from the farm. It, too, burned down; the original 1827 lintel stone and a smokestack built in 1883 survived.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.