Lecture: Geology and History of the Rosendale Natural Cement Industry

Geology and History of the Rosendale Natural Cement Industry

Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024

In-Person Event
$7/person | HRMM Members FREE

Program Topic:

In 1825, during the building of the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal from the coal fields of Pennsylvania to the Hudson River at Rondout, it was discovered that a local rock unit could be used to manufacture a high-quality natural cement. Thus began the Rosendale natural cement industry which lasted up until the last mine closed in Rosendale in 1970. By the late 19 th century, the Rosendale cement district supplied over 50% of U.S. production and was used in such iconic structures as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the U.S. Capitol. Today, only abandoned quarries, mines, and kilns mark the locations of this once-thriving industry.

Presenter:

Steven Schimmrich has been a Professor of geology at SUNY Ulster County Community College for 25 years and is the author of Geology of the Hudson Valley: A Billion Years of History. His specific research interests are in the geology of the local area and the interplay between geology and the historical development of the region.

This program is being presented in-person at the Hudson River Maritime Museum's Wooden Boat School. The Wooden Boat School is located at 86 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401.

Members can recieve their registration discount by logging in. Please note that you must be a current member the date of the event to receive your discount.