Falling Creek Ironworks

Nearby on Falling Creek stood the first ironworks in English North America, established by the Virginia Company to supply iron for the colony and for export to England. Construction began in 1619, and the works, including a blast furnace, were completed under ironmaster John Berkeley as production began late in 1621 or early in 1622. The facility was destroyed and almost everyone there, twenty-seven people, was killed during the 22 Mar. 1622 Indian attacks coordinated by Chief Opechancanough that struck this and various other English settlements. Three other unsuccessful 17th-century attempts were later made to restart the ironworks.

Bensley, Virginia · United States