Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works
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The Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works from the south
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hastings, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1859 |
| Architect | A.R. Morrell |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001229 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1979 |
The Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works is a very old and important building in Hastings, Minnesota. It was built way back in 1859 by a skilled iron worker named A. R. Morrell. This place is special because it was where some of the first big machines in Minnesota were made.
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What Was the Hastings Foundry?
The Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works is a historic building located at 707 First Street East in Hastings, Minnesota. A foundry is a special kind of factory where metal is melted down and poured into molds to create new shapes and parts. Think of it like a giant metal-shaping workshop!
Building a New Future
The foundry was built in 1859 by A. R. Morrell. He was an ironsmith, which means he was an expert at working with iron. Morrell came all the way from Vermont to set up this important business in Minnesota. His work helped to build many things that were needed as the state grew.
Making Minnesota's First Steam Engine
One of the most exciting things made at the Hastings Foundry was Minnesota's very first steam engine. This happened in 1860. A steam engine is a powerful machine that uses the force of steam to create movement. It was a huge step forward for technology at the time!
Powering the Stella Whipple
Just a year later, in 1861, the foundry also made the engine for a famous boat called the Stella Whipple. Imagine a boat powered by an engine made right there in Hastings!
What Else Was Made There?
The Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works produced many other important items. They made strong iron parts for bridges, which helped people and goods cross rivers and valleys. They also built engines for different types of machines, including:
- Railroad elevators
- Early automobiles
- River boats
This foundry was one of the earliest industrial sites in Minnesota that is still standing today. It shows us how important ironworking was for building the state's transportation and industry.
