Get In Touch

Preserving Our Historic Legacy

The Moses King Brick and Tile Works is a historic industrial landmark located at 738 North Coal Street in Colchester, Illinois. This site stands as one of the region’s most significant remaining examples of early brick manufacturing and industrial development in west-central Illinois.
The complex includes Moses King’s original Folk Victorian residence, four surviving beehive kilns from the original seven, the former factory building complete with its drying tunnels, two exhaust stacks, and several associated outbuildings. Together, these structures form a rare and powerful representation of 19th-century industrial craftsmanship and design.

A Legacy Built in Clay and Coal

Established in 1881 by Moses King, the brickworks was built directly on land rich in natural clay deposits. Its location placed it at the center of a growing industrial network that included both the local coal mining industry and the expansion of regional railroads.
Coal extracted from nearby mines played a critical role in powering the kilns used for brick production, making the site an important link between two major industries of the era. Alongside coal mining and rail transportation, the brickworks helped fuel the economic growth and development of the surrounding community for decades.
As industrial demand evolved throughout the 20th century, both the coal and clay industries gradually declined. Despite these changes, the Moses King Brick and Tile Works continued operations longer than most comparable facilities in the region. It ultimately became the last active brickworks in Colchester, producing its signature buff brick until the 1960s, when larger manufacturers and changing architectural trends shifted demand toward mass-produced colored brick.

Historic Recognition

In recognition of its architectural, industrial, and cultural importance, the site was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places | U.S. federal historic preservation list on August 8, 2001. This designation underscores its value as a preserved piece of American industrial history and ensures its significance is recognized at a national level.

Our Mission

To preserve, restore, and protect the Moses King Brick and Tile Works as a living historical site—honoring the industrial heritage of Colchester and the workers whose labor helped shape its history.

Preserving History for Future Generations

Today, the Moses King Brick and Tile Works includes a small one-room museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of the site. The museum features historical photographs, images of workers, and original tools and equipment, offering visitors a direct connection to the people and processes that once defined daily life at the brickworks.
The Moses King Brick and Tile Works Foundation Inc. is committed to the ongoing preservation and restoration of the site. The foundation actively supports conservation efforts, structural stabilization projects, and long-term protection initiatives aimed at safeguarding the remaining buildings and historical artifacts.
These preservation efforts are made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of public donations. Together, they ensure that this important landmark continues to be restored, studied, and appreciated for generations to come.