Site archaeologists had to be the only archaeologists in the country who would be disappointed by getting a middle 18th century date on such magnificent timbers. One much earlier timber that had been salvaged from elsewhere and used on-site could have given a very much earlier date for the site than it actually was occupied. By taking multiple samples, the problem of re-used timbers is lessened. Archival research was also helpful in arriving at the best fit dates for the felling date of the timbers. This outer 25± years of growth may be added to the last discernible growth ring to obtain an approximation of the felling date. Typically, when sawing trees into timbers, the outer sapwood is removed, leaving the desired heartwood. The second cut set was in the period 1760-1770 corresponding with a rebuild that Cary apparently had done at the outbreak of the American Revolution. The first cut set was in the period 1730-1740 corresponding with Archibald Cary's inheritance of the property in 1750. Two cut dates were identified in multiple timbers. Timbers that washed out of the bank after two early 2007 storms were tested by dendrochronology specialists from Oxford to determine their calendar year dates. Archaeological Discoveries Dendrochronology Results Show Archibald Cary's Forge to be Timber Source Specific projects and accomplishments that the Falling Creek Ironworks Foundation and Chesterfield County have undertaken include a groundbreaking ceremony in 2012 for planned site improvements, installation of new interpretive signs and a new sign kiosk in 2015, construction of new parking area and clearing of entrance road to north side of creek from Station Road in 2016, installation of new entrance gate, completion of two waysides on the north and south banks of creek, repaving the trail on south side of the creek and installing a park entrance sign at Marina Drive in 2017. Falling Creek Ironworks Park is one of the parks within the Chesterfield County parks system and is still under development. The Falling Creek greenway was acquired in 19 with an additional 82.9 acres. Since 1996, and annual event has been held to commemorate the history of this site.Ĭhesterfield County acquired Falling Creek Ironworks Park in 1995, along with additional parcels in 20 consisting of 14.6 acres. The foundation works in a cooperative partnership with Chesterfield County’s Department of Parks and Recreation to manage the site and protect the property. Its mission is to preserve, investigate, enhance and interpret the first American Ironworks, the site of the beginning of the iron and steel industry in the New World. The purpose of the foundation is to study of the rich historic and industrial heritage of the Falling Creek area from 1619-1622. In 1991, the Falling Creek Ironworks Foundation was established. This balance within the ecosystem is what brought the first settlers to the area.įalling Creek Ironworks is open for tours by reservation only. The environment surrounding this location has abundant biological diversity between soil, flowers, plants and water. This site is representative of a typical eastern, bottomland, hardwood forest along the banks of the creek with unique tree and ground cover plants. Further back from this low terrace are some moderate to steep side slopes. The site, adjacent to Falling Creek, is a fairly flat to gently sloping flood plain. Most of the trees are water tolerant species such as red maple, sycamore and ash. There is some undergrowth, mostly of herbaceous nature, and woody plants such as alder, along the shoreline. The existing vegetation is predominantly second growth hardwood. This site was an excellent location for the establishment of one of the earliest iron furnace operations in the New World. The unique features of the falls and the natural scenic beauty of the area attract fisherman, birders, hikers and photographers.įalling Creek provided abundant water supplies for power of grist mills and early industry trees for building materials stones for building and construction and wildlife for food. This site is a draw for visitors to the Falling Creek Greenway with its natural resources. The Falling Creek Ironworks site is located seven miles south of Richmond, along Falling Creek, adjacent to Route 1.
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