West Point Foundry

West Point Foundry is an old manufacturing complex in Cold Spring with scattered ruins of buildings where workers once shaped iron and metal. Walking the grounds, you pass through industrial structures and see how water channels and power systems connected the different work areas.

Operations began at the site in 1818, and it became crucial during the Civil War when thousands of weapons were manufactured for Union soldiers. After the war ended, the foundry lost importance and was eventually abandoned, leaving behind the ruins visitors see today.

The foundry shaped how Americans built and ran factories during the nation's early industrial years. Walking through the site, you can sense the scale of work that happened here and how water power connected every part of the operation.

The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk with marked trails throughout the grounds for exploring at your own pace. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and some paths can be steep in places.

Water cascades over two different waterfalls on the property, created by the stream that once powered the machinery and operations. The larger waterfall drops around 20 feet and is controlled by a historic dam that remains visible and helps explain how workers harnessed the water's force.