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WEST POINT -- The federal government is recognizing several historic sites centered around the West Point Foundry Preserve.

Officials made the announcement Wednesday. The new honor recognizes that the properties have archaeological significance, telling a story about America's history.

There's also an added impact in terms of the economy.

Congressman John Hall said, "Well, tourism is big business in the Hudson Valley and the country as a whole, and this will add to the tourists that come to Putnam County, to Cold Spring. West Point is already I think the number two tourism site in New York State after Niagara Falls."

The West Point Foundry Preserve has extensive remains of the 19th century ironworks that led America's Industrial Revolution.