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ONONDAGA FURNACE

Program
NYS Historic
Subject
Industry & Commerce
Location
Elmwood Park, Syracuse, NY
Lat/Long
43.018885, -76.16352
Grant Recipient
Onondaga Historical Association
Historic Marker

ONONDAGA FURNACE

Inscription

ONONDAGA FURNACE
NICHOLAS MICKLES RAN A FOUNDRY
AT THIS SITE FROM 1800 TO 1827.
IT MADE KETTLES FOR BOILING SALT
& CANNONBALLS IN THE WAR OF 1812
THE STREAM IS CALLED FURNACE BROOK
ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
WILLLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION

Nicholas Mickles established Onondaga Furnace, which was really a foundry for casting iron. Important early products produced included large kettles for the salt industry and for making potash. Additionally, Onondaga Furnace cast cannon balls for the US government during the War of 1812. The cannon balls were shipped in flat bottom boats down Onondaga Creek to Onondaga Lake, then along the rivers to places like Fort Ontario and Sackets Harbor. The stream that runs through this area is named Furnace Brook.