A Chronology-
1783 - On May 3, Phoenix Iron decided on starting an iron works. For the next seven years, activity got underway in preparation for the manufacture of iron and iron products.
1790 - A rolling and slitting mill and a nail factory started operating. French Creek was dammed a short distance from North Main St. In the nail factory, plates were made from rolled bars. The width of the bars rolled determined the length of the nails.
1809- The property was called the French Creek Works. A new frame nail factory was built at this time and here was installed the first machine for cutting nails. This machine was the invention of Thomas Odiorne. It has been determined that the machine-made nails at this time were the first made by machinery in the country, with Phoenixville getting the credit.
Chronology for the years 1783 to 1909. By John V. Norris.

