A 32’ octagonal stone tower is all than now remains of the once-prosperous New Hampshire Iron Factory Company. The blast furnace tower dates back to the early 1800’s and was shown on an 1805 map of Franconia. Originally the tower was surrounded by a shed, which was destroyed in a fire. Visitors to the interpretive Center can view of model of the blast furnace and the original shed and see an iron cart, kettle, stove, tools and interpretive panels which tell the story of the process used to smelt iron ore. Visitors may view the interesting tower from across the river but unfortunately, you may not visit the actual tower as there is a danger of falling rocks.
Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center, 421 Main Street, Franconia, NH 03580