Early Business and Industry

 

Horseheads remained a small agricultural community until the construction of the Chemung Canal began in 1829. The village prospered during the three years of construction and the population nearly doubled. Horseheads became an industrial center, particularly known for its brick manufacturing. Mr. Albright founded the first brick factory, Westlake Brickyard, in 1840. Horseheads was also known for its celery production. In 1887, W.H. Smith established the Horseheads Celery Co., which shipped locally-grown celery and other produce all along the east coast from Maine to Florida. The village was also home to woolen factories, mills, foundries, and tanneries. These products were shipped across the United States on the no less than four railroads that passed through the town.