Cornwall Iron Furnace

Lecture - Hessian Ditch

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
7pm

Ready to assist in the effort to gain independence from the British, Robert Coleman, the Ironmaster at Elizabeth Furnace, was ready to expand the capacity of the furnace operation to supply needed iron for armaments. To that end, he sought the assistance of General Edward Hand to secure Hessian prisoners of war to dig a path for diversion of water from a nearby creek to the Elizabeth Furnace operation thereby increasing its capacity for iron production. Dan Snyder will bring to us his insights and a visual tour through his research, the archaeology on-going at Elizabeth Furnace, and traveling the actual earth-works the Hessians created, which still remain in-part to this day! Come learn how the work of these prisoners played a role in our future independence and in the lives of our local community even to this day.

This is an in-person and an online lecture that will utilize the Zoom platform

Registration is only required for online attendance.

Click here to register.

This presentation is offered at no cost to attendees, but donations are greatly appreciated.