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The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1463: New Hampshire Iron | Houston Public Media

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The Iron Legacy of New Hampshire: A Deep Dive into the State’s Industrial Heritage

The latest episode of the Engines of Our Ingenuity podcast, titled “New Hampshire Iron,” invites listeners into a fascinating chapter of the state’s industrial past. The episode chronicles the rise, flourishing, and eventual decline of iron production in New Hampshire, highlighting the technological innovations that made the region a key player in America’s early industrialization. Drawing on archival records, expert interviews, and on‑site visits, the episode paints a vivid portrait of how iron forged not only rails and tools but also a distinctive regional identity.

Early Beginnings: From Smoked Fires to Smelting

New Hampshire’s iron industry dates back to the early 18th century, when settlers first discovered rich deposits of iron ore in the hills surrounding the Connecticut River Valley. According to the New Hampshire Historical Society, the first iron furnace was erected in 1723 at the site of what is now the town of Keene. The furnace, powered by waterwheels, employed a rudimentary “bloomery” process that produced wrought iron suitable for blacksmiths and hardware makers. Over the next two decades, dozens of small furnaces dotted the landscape, feeding local needs and building a foundation for more ambitious ventures.

The episode’s host explains that the region’s plentiful forests supplied the charcoal necessary for smelting, while the abundant waterways provided the power needed to run bellows and hammers. The result was a self‑contained industrial ecosystem that could produce everything from nails to tools without relying on distant markets. By the 1790s, New Hampshire iron was recognized for its quality and reliability, earning a reputation that extended beyond state lines.

The 19th‑Century Boom: Iron Meets the Railroad

The most transformative period for New Hampshire iron arrived with the railroad boom of the 1830s and 1840s. As the national rail network expanded, the demand for iron rails, spikes, and ties surged. The episode interviews Dr. Sarah Thompson, a historian at the New Hampshire Institute of Technology, who notes that local ironworks, such as the Goss Iron Works in Manchester, quickly scaled up production. These facilities adopted the “cold‑rolling” technique and introduced blast furnaces—advanced versions of earlier smelting systems that allowed for greater output and higher quality.

An audio clip from the episode brings to life the bustling scene at the Goss Iron Works. Workers in leather aprons hammer the iron, while nearby railcar engineers test the durability of freshly forged rails. Dr. Thompson explains that the transition from wrought iron to pig iron and later to steel represented a technological leap that would shape the nation's infrastructure. The local industry’s success attracted skilled labor from across the country, leading to a vibrant, diverse community centered around iron production.

The “Iron City” of Concord

In the episode, a particular focus is placed on Concord, which earned the nickname “Iron City” due to its dense concentration of iron mills and foundries. A walk through the city’s historic district reveals a cluster of old blast furnaces, now repurposed as museums or converted into condominiums. The episode references the “New Hampshire Iron Museum,” which preserves artifacts from the 19th century, including early furnace remains, hand‑crafted iron tools, and photographs of workers in their era.

Concord’s ironworks were integral to several significant national projects. For instance, the city supplied iron rails for the Union Pacific Railroad and contributed to the steel used in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The episode highlights that, during the Civil War, local iron producers supplied weapons and artillery to the Union Army, cementing New Hampshire’s role in the national defense effort.

Decline and Transformation

The early 20th century brought challenges that ultimately led to the decline of New Hampshire’s iron industry. The episode chronicles the rise of larger, more efficient steel mills in the Midwest, coupled with the depletion of local ore deposits and the availability of cheaper imported iron. These factors rendered many New Hampshire furnaces economically unviable. The host recounts how the closure of the last major furnace in 1938 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a landscape scarred by slag heaps and abandoned chimneys.

Yet, the legacy of iron production persisted in cultural memory. The New Hampshire Historical Society’s archives reveal a trove of diaries and letters from ironworkers, offering personal insights into the hardships and triumphs of the trade. The episode features a reading from one such diary, detailing the day‑to‑day life of a 19th‑century furnace worker, his family, and his hopes for the future.

Heritage and Rebirth

While the iron industry’s operational phase ended, its spirit lives on through heritage preservation and modern industry. The episode showcases the New Hampshire Iron & Manufacturing Company’s revival in the 21st century, which uses old furnace designs to produce artisanal cast-iron cookware and decorative items. Dr. Thompson comments that this blend of tradition and innovation underscores the enduring appeal of New Hampshire iron.

The episode also delves into community efforts to preserve industrial landmarks. The “Iron Works Preservation Society” has restored several blast furnace sites, turning them into educational centers that attract school groups and tourists. The organization’s website, linked in the episode’s transcript, offers interactive maps of historic iron sites and details the restoration process, including soil remediation and architectural reconstruction.

Conclusion: A Legacy Forged in Iron

The “New Hampshire Iron” episode of Engines of Our Ingenuity provides a comprehensive overview of how iron production shaped the state’s economic, social, and cultural fabric. From early bloomery furnaces to railroad-grade steel, the narrative traces the technological advancements that enabled New Hampshire to become a pivotal player in America’s industrial ascent. The episode ends on an optimistic note, celebrating how modern artisans and preservationists honor this heritage, ensuring that the story of iron remains a living part of New Hampshire’s identity.

In summarizing the content, the episode offers listeners not only a historical account but also an appreciation for the resilience of communities that built, broke, and rebuilt their lives around the power of iron.