The Great Hudson River Brick Industry

The 19th century witnessed the rise and dominance of the Hudson River brick industry. Detonated by the great fire of 1835 that devastated New York City, a massive demand arose for fire-resistant building materials. This perfectly coincided with the discovery of vast, high-quality clay deposits along the Hudson River Valley. Brickyards, many owned by prominent families like the Ludlows and the Roosevelts, sprung up like wildfire to meet this demand. The industry boomed further thanks to technological advancements like the development of steam-powered brick machines in the mid-1800s. This era also saw a large influx of immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe who provided the essential labor force for the physically demanding brickmaking process. By the late 19th century, the Hudson River Valley had become the world's leading brick-making region, supplying billions of bricks that helped construct the iconic skyline of New York City and countless other urban centers across the nation.

Author: George V. Hutton
Illustrations: B/W Photos
Dated: 2003
Publisher: Purple Mountain
Edition: 1st
Size: 4to
Binding: Trade Wraps
Type: History - American
Subject: Bricks 19th Century Making Producing
Condition Report: Good Plus

Subject References: RBB6