General Info

Experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution at Historic Speedwell. This National Historic Landmark site preserves the restored estate of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Ironworks, located nearby through exhibits and iron working artifacts. The most significant of the eight historic structures on the site is the completely restored Factory, where Stephen's son, Alfred Vail, worked with Samuel F. B. Morse to perfect the telegraph. It was here on January 11, 1838, where the first successful demonstration of the electromagnetic telegraph changed the course of modern telecommunications. A new hands-on, interactive exhibit experience awaits visitors to the Factory Building. Visitors receive guided tours of the Vail House and the Factory. The Wheelhouse, adjacent to the Factory, houses a restored 24-foot overshoot waterwheel, which still works today!Experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution at Historic Speedwell. This National Historic Landmark site preserves the restored estate of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Ironworks, located nearby through exhibits and iron working artifacts. The most significant of the eight historic structures on the site is the completely restored Factory, where Stephen's son, Alfred Vail, worked with Samuel F. B. Morse to perfect the telegraph. It was here on January 11, 1838, where the first successful demonstration of the electromagnetic telegraph changed the course of modern telecommunications. A new hands-on, interactive exhibit experience awaits visitors to the Factory Building. Visitors receive guided tours of the Vail House and the Factory. The Wheelhouse, adjacent to the Factory, houses a restored 24-foot overshoot waterwheel, which still works today!