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Private company

Joshua Hendy Iron Works

Logo: Joshua Hendy Iron Works, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

American engineering company

The Joshua Hendy Iron Works was an American engineering company that existed from the 1850s to the late 1940s. It was at one time a world leader in mining technology, and its equipment was used in constructing the Panama Canal, among other major projects. The company went on to serve many different markets during the course of its existence, but is perhaps best remembered today for its contribution to the American shipbuilding industry during World War II.2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1856Founded1
  • Industryengineering1
  • HeadquartersSunnyvale1

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Joshua Hendy Iron Works museum
Photo: Dreamyshade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons5

The Joshua Hendy Iron Works was an American engineering company that existed from the 1850s to the late 1940s. It was at one time a world leader in mining technology, and its equipment was used in constructing the Panama Canal, among other major projects. The company went on to serve many different markets during the course of its existence, but is perhaps best remembered today for its contribution to the American shipbuilding industry during World War II.2

The story

Founded by Joshua Hendy in 1856.1

The company was named after its founder Joshua Hendy. Born in Cornwall, England in 1822, Hendy at the age of 13 migrated with two brothers to South Carolina in the United States. Joshua married and became a blacksmith in Houston, Texas. After the death of his wife and two children from yellow fever, he sailed around Cape Horn to San Francisco in 1849 to participate in the California Gold Rush.

Hendy built California's first redwood lumber mill, the Benicia Sawmill (the region is now known as the Hendy Woods State Park). In 1856, he established the Joshua Hendy Iron Works in San Francisco to supply equipment to Gold Rush placer miners. The Hendy plant supplied various equipment to the mining industry.

From Wikipedia’s article on Joshua Hendy Iron Works, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Leadership

Who has led Joshua Hendy Iron Works, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Timeline

  1. 1856Founded Founded1

Sources

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