Cold Spring in Putnam County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The West Point Foundry
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, January 16, 2014
1. The West Point Foundry Marker
military establishment observes:
“During my visit I learned that since the [Civil] war began over three hundred cannon have been manufactured here for our government – the Parrott gun exclusively – to 300-pounders. The guns have done duty in our forts, on our gunboats, and in our grandly-moving armies, so sublimely sweeping through the hostile Southern States. One of these 300-pounders weighs twenty-six thousand pounds, or thirteen tons. One was being cast as I visited the place. It was a sight worth traveling hundreds of miles to see. These guns are submitted to the severest tests before turned over for service. The precipitate banks of Crow Nest are the target of the experimental trial, the distance fired being two thousand yards. Two huge bare spots, with deep indentures in the rocks, attest the accuracy of the range and force of the firing. At all hours of the day for the past four years the firing of these guns have awakened fearful echoes among these environing heights, oftentimes sounding like the roar of a terrible battle.”
- - The New York Times. 1865
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 41° 24.873′ N, 73° 56.892′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in the Hudson Valley, and in the New York City 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 New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: From Forest to Factory to Forest (here, next to this marker); West Point Foundry Archaeological Site (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The 1865 Office Building (about 400 feet away); History of West Point Foundry (about 600 feet away); Boring Mill Overlook (approx. 0.2 miles away); Foundry Brook (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Boring Mill Overlook (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jewel of the Hudson (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cold Spring.
Also see . . . West Point Foundry Preserve. Scenic Hudson website. (Submitted on January 16, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, January 16, 2014
2. The West Point Foundry Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, January 16, 2014
3. Marker on the Gun Platform
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, January 16, 2014
4. West Point Foundry Gun Platform
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln witnessed the testing of a Parrott gun forged at the West Point Foundry conducted on this platform.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, January 16, 2014
5. West Point Foundry Preserve
The marker is located in the West Point Foundry Preserve.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, January 16, 2014
6. West Point Foundry Preserve Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 16, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
