Just off Jefferson Davis Highway at Falling Creek Ironworks Park sits the site of America’s first iron furnace. Built in 1619 by workers from the Virginia Company of London, the furnace eventually was used to build weapons for the American Revolution, says Historic Site Supervisor Brian Truzzie.
“This was the first iron furnace established that really led to the growth of large heavy industry that we have today.”
Nothing is left of the furnace because it got destroyed in 1622 from coordinated raids by Native Americans. But a ceremony will still celebrate the anniversary with guided archeological tours, militia demonstrations and dancing by the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe.
Falling Creek Park also houses one of the last brick cottages from nearby historic Moore’s Lake, a popular recreation spot back in the early 1940s and 50s. The newly refurbished brick cottage has been fully restored and is an important part of Chesterfield’s history, says Truzzie.
“I think that will mean a lot to them to see one of those last brick cottages saved and restored.”
