[3] Speedwell Ironworks also provided most of the machinery for the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

[2] Situated at a natural gorge of the Whippany River, several hydraulic powered forges existed, predating the establishment of the ironworks by Stephen Vail and two business partners.

Vail became sole owner of the works in 1815 and expanded it, producing a variety of agricultural and industrial machinery.

The site is set up as an open-air 19th century estate, complete with residential buildings, a granary and two carriage houses.

The site is currently open to the public, with 19th century ironworking materials and historical artifacts about communication on exhibit.

Although Morse and Alfred Vail had conducted most of the research and development in the ironworks facilities, they chose the factory house for demonstration.