Morristown in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Homestead Carriage House
Birthplace of the Telegraph
— Historic Speedwell —
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 5, 2010
1. Homestead Carriage House Marker
When not managing the Ironworks, Stephen Vail was often traveling in search of business. The Homestead Carriage House was his center for transportation. The main floor was used to store carriages for the summer and sleighs for the winter. Horses were stabled on the lower level with a door facing the farmyard.
When the building was built in the 1840’s a stone marked 1808, probably from an earlier structure, was included in the foundation. When the building was converted into a garage, more windows and a cement floor were added. Today, the main floor contains an exhibit that tells the story of the Speedwell Ironworks; a forge, foundry and machine shop of national renown. It was here that Stephen and his craftsmen produced machinery for paper mills and parts for locomotives. The Ironworks was also involved in many complicated projects such as the assembly of the engines for the S.S. Savannah, the first steam powered vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.
Location. 40° 48.885′ N, 74° 28.837′ W. Marker is in Morristown, New Jersey, in Morris County. Marker can be reached from Speedwell Avenue (U.S. 202), on the right when traveling north
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1849 Carriage House (a few steps from this marker); Water Power at Speedwell (within shouting distance of this marker); L’Hommedieu House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Granary (within shouting distance of this marker); Vail House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Homestead Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Moses Estey House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheel House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morristown.
More about this marker. A modern photograph of the Carriage House appears on the bottom of the marker. Also on the marker are a map of Historic Speedwell and photos of exhibits located here.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Take a tour of the markers found at Historic Speedwell.
Also see . . . Historic Speedwell - "Birthplace of the Telegraph". Mossis County Park Commission website entry (Submitted on July 11, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 5, 2010
2. Marker at Historic Speedwell
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 5, 2010
3. Homestead Carriage House
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 5, 2010
4. Historic Speedwell
Historic Speedwell as seen from Speedwell Avenue. The Homestead Carriage House and marker is seen to the left in the photo. The 1849 Carriage House is on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 587 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 11, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
