Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Monitor Iron Works

Use (Historic)

• Mining, Primary Metals

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

The original Bulls Falls Iron Works blast furnace, built in 1826, was 30' high with 8' bosh diameter. The furnace operators rebuilt the stack in 1844 to 40' high with 14' bosh diameter, enormous dimensions for a Connecticut blast furnace. Hot blast was installed in 1844 but the stack was still fired with charcoal. This furnace was apparently too large for the water power afforded by the Housatonic River at this site, and in 1857 it was rebuilt to the more modest height of 34' with 9 1/2' bosh diameter. From then until the furnace was abandoned c.1886, anthracite was used for fuel. Today the blast furnace is extremely deteriorated. Exterior walls of rough-dressed granite blocks have fallen to the level of the hearth, and remains of the fire-brick lining are only slightly higher. Evidence of the charging bridge survives: an earthen ramp, with retaining wall of granite blocks, which approaches the furnace from the north. (Roth)

Number of Existing Buildings

n/a

Dates of Construction

1857

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Archaeological site

Architectural Description

n/a

Exterior Material(s)

• Stone

Structural System(s)

n/a

Roof Form

n/a

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

n/a

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Specific Location

n/a

Adjacent To

• Water (for Power)

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

n/a

Acreage

n/a

Use (Present)

n/a

Form Completed By

n/a

Date

n/a

Bibliography

1. Roth, Matthew, et al, Connecticut: An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites (Washington DC: SIA, 1981).