Downtown in Trenton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Steel Mill

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 14, 2020

1. Old Steel Mill Marker

Inscription. Here, in 1750, Benjamin Yard made steel in an iron works founded by Isaac Harrow 1733-’34. The mill was on Petty’s Run which now flows underground. It was one of the earliest steel mills in America and a forerunner of the great industries of Trenton.

Erected by Mayor’s Citizens Committee, Trenton, N.J.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1750.

Location. 40° 13.236′ N, 74° 46.137′ W. Marker is in Trenton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on West State Street, 0.1 miles west of Barrack Street, on the right when traveling east. On West State Street between the New Jersey State House and Thomas Edison State College. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Trenton NJ 08608, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. State House (a few steps from this marker); The Story of Trenton (a few steps from this marker); Petty's Run (within shouting distance of this marker); Changing Landscapes Along Petty's Run (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trenton Steel Works (within shouting distance of this marker); The Archives of the State

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Petty's Run (within shouting distance of this marker); Front Street Paper Mill (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trenton.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This other marker is located on the grounds of the Old Barracks Museum.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 14, 2020

2. Old Steel Mill Marker

Petty's Run Archaeological Dig image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gary Nigh, August 2008

3. Petty's Run Archaeological Dig

Starting in July 2008, an archaelogical dig was started near this marker which sought to uncover not only the stream that fed the mill, Petty's Run, but also possibly the remains of the old mill buildings.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2007, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,514 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 17, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.