If you are looking for a place to experience the history and nature of the Hudson Valley, you should consider visiting the West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring, New York. This 90-acre park is a living museum that showcases the remains of the ironworks that made some of the first steam engines, locomotives, pipes, and cannons in America. You will be amazed by the stories and secrets that this place holds, and by the beauty and diversity of its natural environment.
The West Point Foundry was founded in 1817 by Gouverneur Kemble, a merchant from New York City who wanted to support the domestic production of artillery after the War of 1812. The foundry was located on the banks of the Hudson River, across from West Point Military Academy, which provided security and testing grounds for the weapons. The foundry also had access to abundant resources, such as timber, iron ore, and water power from Foundry Brook.
The foundry became famous for its innovation and quality, especially during the Civil War, when it manufactured the Parrott rifle, a type of cannon that was accurate and reliable. The Parrott rifle was invented by Robert Parker Parrott, a former army officer who became the superintendent of the foundry in 1836. He experimented with different designs and materials to create a superior artillery piece that could fire explosive shells at long distances. The Parrott rifle was widely used by both sides during the war, and helped shape the outcome of many battles.
Besides making weapons, the foundry also contributed to other fields of engineering and technology. It produced some of the earliest locomotives in America, such as the Best Friend of Charleston, the DeWitt Clinton, and the West Point. It also supplied pipes for New York City’s water system, sugar mills for the West Indies, and machinery for various industries. The foundry employed hundreds of workers, many of whom were immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and England. They lived in nearby villages and towns, such as Cold Spring and Nelsonville, where they formed a vibrant community.
The foundry’s heyday lasted until the late 19th century, when it faced competition from steel makers and declining demand for cast iron products. It gradually reduced its operations and closed around 1911. The site was abandoned and became overgrown with vegetation. In 1973, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2021, it was designated a National Historic Landmark by the federal government.
Today, you can explore the West Point Foundry Preserve and learn about its fascinating history and ecology. The preserve is managed by Scenic Hudson, a nonprofit organization that protects and enhances the Hudson Valley’s natural and cultural resources. The preserve features trails that pass by ruins of foundry buildings, such as furnaces, mills, shops, and offices. Along the way, you will find interpretive signs and exhibits that explain how the foundry worked and what impact it had on the nation and the world. You will also see sculptures and installations that recreate some of the foundry’s products and processes.
The preserve is not only a historical site, but also a natural sanctuary. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects. You can enjoy the sounds of Foundry Brook as it flows through wetlands and ponds that provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. You can also admire the views of the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain from scenic overlooks. The preserve is part of a larger network of trails and parks that connect Cold Spring with other nearby attractions, such as Boscobel House and Gardens , Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary , Little Stony Point Park , Breakneck Ridge Trailhead Park ,and Foundry Dock Park .
If you are looking for a fun and educational day trip from New York City or anywhere in the Hudson Valley region , you should definitely visit the West Point Foundry Preserve . You will be amazed by how much history and nature are packed into this small area. You will also be inspired by how this place has been transformed from an industrial wasteland into an outdoor museum and a wildlife haven . Whether you are interested in art , engineering, war, or ecology, you will find something to enjoy at this unique destination.
To get a sneak peak of what you can expect when visiting the park, check out our video below!
We hope you like it! 😊