Existing comment:
The First Ironworks in North America
Soon after 1607, Falling Creek was identified as a near perfect site for heavy industry; it offered ore deposits, power from falling water, and access to the navigable portion of the James River. In 1619, Benjamin Bluett was hired as ironmaster. After Bluett's premature death in 1621, he was replaced by John Berkley. Berkley was killed during the 1622 uprising. Records indicate the ironworks may have produced some quantity of iron before its destruction.
An iron blast furnace was erected at Falling Creek as early as 1619. Whether it reached full operation before it was destroyed in 1622 is unknown. |