Berne in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ax Factory
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, January 26, 2013
1. Ax Factory Marker
Simmons in 1825. Said to be
the first factory in the
United States to make
axes from cast steel
Erected 1932 by New York State Education Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 42° 37.63′ N, 74° 8.1′ W. Marker is in Berne, New York, in Albany County. Marker is on Berne-Altamont Road (New York State Route 156), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Berne NY 12023, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mill Site (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reformed Dutch Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Weidman Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cheese Factory (approx. ¼ mile away); Anti-Rent (approx. 0.4 miles away); Schools (approx. half a mile away); Dedicated (approx. half a mile away); Pioneer (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berne.
Regarding Ax Factory. In 1825 an extensive ax factory was erected by Daniel Simmons. The factory was in existence for eight years, operating in four buildings. At its peak 200 men labored there producing up to 600
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Ax Factory of Daniel Simmons. An interesting and detailed account of the "Ax Factory of Daniel Simmons" can be found in the Bi-Centennial History of Albany: History of the County of Albany, N.Y., From 1609 to 1886 on Page 805. (Submitted on January 26, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.)
2. The Simmons Axe Factory. Welcome to the Hilltowns website entry:
This article on the Simmons Axe Factory includes a diagram showing the location of the Axe Factory buildings on the Foxenkill. (Submitted on January 26, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.)
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, January 26, 2013
2. Ax Factory Marker
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, January 26, 2013
3. Ax Factory Marker
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, January 26, 2013
4. Ax Factory Marker
The Simmons Ax Factory Marker is on the embankment of NYS Route 156 overlooking the site of the former factory site on the Foxenkill, which is off to the right beyond the marker.
The Town of Berne, N.Y.
5. Town of Berne Seal
The Simmons Ax is depicted on the Town of Berne seal representing "the efforts of early industrialization, a spirit of industry deep in the past and the present".
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,045 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 26, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
