Starr Mill, Middletown, Connecticut, on the National Register of Historic Places
Starr Mill is a brick factory on the Coginchaug River in Middletown, Connecticut, built in the early 1800s. The four-and-a-half-story building with a central stair tower was originally designed for weapons production and used water power through turbines beneath a dam.
The factory was founded in 1812 by Nathan Starr Jr. after winning a government contract and produced over 70,000 weapons over more than 30 years, including special swords for renowned soldiers. After closing in 1845, the property was taken over by other businessmen, particularly the Rusco company, which operated suspender production there until 1956.
The name honors Nathan Starr Jr., who founded the factory after securing a government contract in 1812. The building stands directly by the water, showing how production was tied to the river landscape.
The site is located south of Washington Street between Boston Road and Middlefield Street and is visible from the road. The river and old water infrastructure are key features of the place, so the area can be wet during damp weather and especially in spring.
The factory made special swords for famous soldiers like Andrew Jackson and was expanded with new brick construction in 1865. The turbines beneath the dam are still visible today, showing how water power was harnessed early in industrial manufacturing.
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