The bow of the presidential yacht “Sequoia,” which was undergoing repairs at Broadfoot Iron Works in 1950. Photo courtesy of the New Hanover County Public Library
The Broadfoot Iron Works was established by William G. Broadfoot in 1919, for manufacture of boiler works, foundry works and general machinery. Broadfoot was its president.
From 1919 the address was the “Head of Church Street.” It was located on the Cape Fear River by the Cassidy Shipyard.
In 1922 the Iron Works gave a contract to Walter Clark to build a new, two-story brick building at the cost of $75,000. It also contracted for three dump cars and one “jaw crusher” capable of crushing stones to 4 inches in diameter.
The Broadfoot Iron Works had a national reputation for iron works and boat repairs. The presidential yacht the “Mayflower” was brought there for repairs in 1931. It was also used to build propeller shafts for Liberty Ships.
Later the presidential yacht “Sequoia” was brought in 1950.
Broadfoot Iron Works closed in 1955, and the building was then used for a few years by the Atlantic Glass Co. The unoccupied building burned down in 1958.
A boat dock and parking is located at the foot of Church Street where the iron works once stood.
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Date posted: January 6, 2015
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