The McIntyre Iron Mine

  In 1826, a group of prospectors were led to a bed of iron ore in the heart of the Adirondacks.  They quickly worked to aquire the property and lay their claim to the find.  They were headed by Archibald McIntyre and Judge Duncan McMartin, Jr.
  Within a year, they erected a forge and log buildings for the workers.   By 1840, a road was built to connect the mine with Port Henry.  The large blast furnace still standing today was built in 1854 and by then, a large village had grown at the Upper Works.
  Hope for a better mode of transportation was kindled with the building of the railroad from Saratoga but lack of funds ended the line at North Creek in 1871. Other railroads were proposed but nothing came from it.
  When ore was needed for testing in 1913, they used a number of steam powered tractors pulling ore sleds to bring it to North Creek. The tests proved successful but the tractors were not used again.  See link below for this story.
  Soon after, the titanium, thought to be an impurity in the ore, was found to have use as a paint pigment.   Since cheaper sources were available from India, the next chapter of the story would not begin until 1941. The largest source of titanium in this country would finally be reached by rail.

Furnace in 1888

Furnace in 2009 - currently being restored

Old machinery near furnace

Jon Patton Photos

Village in 1888

Village in 1988 - this building is currently undergoing restoration

Bob Patton Photo

Click on this photo to learn about the 1913-14 ore hauling.