Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument

Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument is a well-preserved iron blast furnace in a state park in North Canaan. The site spans several acres and shows not only the main furnace but also old dam ruins, water channels, and large slag deposits along the river.

John Adam Beckley built this furnace in 1847 and operated it until 1919, when local iron production came to an end. The location was part of a larger network of industrial sites in the valley that together shaped the region.

This site shows how iron production shaped the regional economy and drew workers who built their lives around the industry. Visitors can see the scale of operations and understand why this location mattered to the people who lived nearby.

The park is freely accessible year-round during daylight hours and offers easy paths to explore the ruins and structures. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are uneven and some areas are near the riverbank.

Three historical dams line the Blackberry River and show how water was used as an energy source for the furnace. These water-powered systems were just as important as the furnace itself for running the operation.

Location: Connecticut

Inception: 1946

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Beckley-Furnace-Industrial-Monument

GPS coordinates: 42.01083,-73.29278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42