Bellemonte Silk Mill
The Bellemonte Silk Mill is a blue stone factory in Hawley, Pennsylvania, built between 1880 and 1881. The three to five-story building features tall windows, massive stone walls, and a distinctive castle-style roof that gives it a fortress-like appearance.
The mill was founded by Catholina Lambert and Dexter, Lambert & Co. and opened for operations in fall 1881, taking advantage of the fast water from Paupack Falls for power. A fire damaged it in 1894, but it was quickly rebuilt with an added shed-roofed engine section to power the machinery.
The name Bellemonte refers to the beautiful hilltop location chosen by its founders. The massive stone building with its distinctive castle-like roof became a landmark that drew people from the surrounding area who came to work or simply to see the structure that dominated the local landscape.
The property covers about 3 acres and is relatively easy to locate in Hawley at a recognizable spot. Access to the site is available, though some portions of the building may be reserved for specific events or activities, so checking ahead is advisable.
The building was one of the largest of its kind made from blue stone in the world and was illuminated with electric lights, a remarkable technological achievement for 1881. After 2011, it was transformed into the Hawley Silk Mill and now houses a coffee shop and other uses that blend old and new purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
