Cazenovia in Madison County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of Belmont Powder Mill
Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, March 18, 2025
1. Site of Belmont Powder Mill Marker
Belmont Powder Mill
Est. 1888 by J.D. Griswold
In Oct. 1898 an explosion
heard for 50 miles ended
the mill operation forever
Erected 2015 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 239.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 42° 52.802′ N, 75° 50.808′ W. Marker is in Cazenovia, New York, in Madison County. It is on East Road (County Route 65), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3248 East Road, New Woodstock NY 13122, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Central New York, and in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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 the Haudenosaunee
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Belmont School (approx. 0.4 miles away); No. Nine School (approx. 1.3 miles away); New Woodstock Heritage Park (approx. 2.2 miles away); Church Building (approx. 2.3 miles away); a different marker also named New Woodstock Heritage Park (approx. 2.3 miles away); Dorothy Riester House and Studio (approx. 2.3 miles away); Baptist Church (approx. 2.3 miles away); New Woodstock War Memorial (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cazenovia.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lehigh Valley Railroad (was approx. 2.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Site of (William G. Pomeroy Foundation). Excerpt:
A few miles south of Cazenovia lies the site of the former Belmont Powder Mill. This mill specialized in the manufacture of gun powder. At its peak, Belmont Powder Mill was competing with many giants in the gun powder industry.(Submitted on March 20, 2025.)
John D. Griswold, a Cazenovia resident, establishedhis gun powder mill during the 1880s. Locating suitable land to build upon was a challenge due to the potential danger of explosions. The mill site needed to be remote so it would not pose a threat to the general public. Additionally, the mill required access to waterpower. A deed dated July 25, 1887 demonstrates that Griswold discovered a solution to his problem when he purchased 45 acres of land along Chittenango Creek. On this property he built his mill, which, according to the August 11, 1887 Cazenovia Republican, included five buildings, a 2,280 foot canal and a dam. The mill was a success...Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, March 18, 20252. Site of Belmont Powder Mill Marker
Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, March 18, 2025
3. Site Of Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
