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

Factory Dam Operating Mechanisms

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Factory Dam Operating Mechanisms Marker

Inscription. This dam was built in 1920 replacing a wooden one constructed in 1883. Its purpose vas to supply power to the Cotton Mill downstream owned by Exeter Manufacturing Company. It is 422 feet long, 21 feet high and has an ogee spillway of 139 feet. These two gate operating mechanisms were located above the east abutment of the dam. Manufactured in Keene by L. B. Dow, Inc., they had to be operated manually by rotating the two large wheels in the front. It took approximately four hours for two men to raise or lower the gates in high water. During the “Mother's Day Flood” of 2006, the gears were stripped and because of this and other problems with their operation, they were replaced by the State of New Hampshire with more modern apparatus that can be operated manually.

Erected 2008.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 43° 18.327′ N, 71° 19.831′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It is on Main Street west of Marshall Court, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker

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is in this post office area: 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 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: Cotton Mill (a few steps from this marker); Cotton Mill Steam Pump (within shouting distance of this marker); Agents' House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cram's Purchase (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. R.P.J. Tenney House (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.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Factory Dam Operating Mechanisms Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.