Archaeologists Start West Point Foundry Survey Work

Professor Timothy Scarlett (right) takes archaeological measurements with another team member at the Foundry site in Cold Spring last week.

A team of archaeologists hired by Scenic Hudson has begun work at the 19th Century West Point Foundry site in Cold Spring. Professors and students from Michigan Technological University started surveying the ruins July 8 and will continue through August 8.

The archaeologists are updating a 1979 archaeological survey of the foundry and pouring over archival material at the Putnam County Historical Society. They are determining how much the 87-acre site has deteriorated in the last 23 years and will prepare digital maps that will aid future excavations. After two weeks, the researchers are already excited.

"I have done quite a few industrial sites, but I have never done one that is so intact," says Alicia Valentino, a graduate student in Michigan Tech’s industrial archaeology program. "It’s amazing. Other sites that I’ve worked with you have to dig to get to anything."

Although they originally planned to conduct some excavations this summer, none of the archaeologists had seen the site before. Once they began work, they quickly realized that the mapping survey would take up all five weeks that they will be in Cold Spring this summer. They plan a thorough excavation over a five-year period.

The West Point Foundry operated in Cold Spring from 1817 until 1911. It was one of four foundries established by the Federal government after the War of 1812 to insure an independent source of artillery for the United States. The other locations were Richmond, Virginia; Georgetown in the District of Columbia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The West Point Foundry became famous during the Civil War for the Parrott Gun used by Union troops.

Scenic Hudson is conducting the research to determine how to preserve the location. It sought the expertise of Dr. Patrick Martin, who heads the industrial archaeology program at Michigan Tech – the only such graduate program in the country. Valentino is leading seven other students while working closely with Martin and professor Timothy Scarlett.

The archaeologists welcome the interest of the local community in their work. They would like to hear from individuals knowledgeable about the foundry, including those with family stories about it. Visitors are welcome between 10 and 3 on weekdays.