Journey Through Pennsylvania's Iron History

Pennsylvania has a rich and storied history deeply intertwined with the iron industry. From the early 18th century to the late 19th century, the Keystone State played a pivotal role in the development of the American iron and steel industry. This historical journey is best explored through key sites and landmarks, such as the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum and the Cornwall, Hopewell and Musselman-Vesta furnaces. You can visit all of these sites as part of your getaway trip to B.F. Hiestand House in Marietta, a historic riverside community whose early identity and economy were shaped by a once-thriving anthracite iron industry.

The roots of Pennsylvania's iron industry can be traced back to the 18th century when the state was still a British colony. The abundance of natural resources, including iron ore and limestone, as well as a strong workforce, made Pennsylvania an ideal location for iron production. One of the earliest iron furnaces in the state was the Cornwall Iron Furnace in Lebanon County. Established in 1742, this furnace became a significant supplier of iron products for the American colonies and played a crucial role during the American Revolution. Today at Cornwall, furnace, blast equipment and related buildings still stand as they did over a century ago. Visitors can explore the rambling Gothic Revival buildings where cannons, stoves and pig iron were cast, and where men labored day and night to satisfy the furnace’s appetite for charcoal, limestone and iron ore.

The Hopewell Furnace in Berks County was another key player in Pennsylvania's iron history. This furnace, built in 1771, was part of an expansive "iron plantation," a nearly self-sufficient community with a singular focus of producing pig iron to be sold on the market. Today, the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a 848-acre park with historic structures that illustrate the business, innovation and lifestyle of our young, growing nation. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the historic furnace community, enter its many buildings and visit the animals on the farm.

About a half-mile from our historic bed-and-breakfast in Marietta, you'll find the Musselman-Vesta Furnace. Built in 1868, it was expanded several times to increase its size and output. The pig iron produced in the area's furnaces was used by local rolling mills to make rails for the growing railroad industry. The Musselman-Vesta Furnace ceased production in 1930, making it the last of the area's furnaces to close. After decades of neglect, Rivertownes PA USA oversaw the restoration and preservation of the furnace to create an educational center with artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Susquehanna River's iron towns.

If you want to dive even further into Pennsylvania's industrial history, make a stop at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville, Chester County. Located at what was once the longest, continuously operating iron and steel site in the United States, this museum serves as a hub for preserving and sharing the history of the iron and steel industry in Pennsylvania. Visitors can take a 45-minute walking tour of the grounds, and then explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the innovations and contributions of Pennsylvania iron production to the nation's industrial development.

Stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House in Marietta and connect with our charming town's iron heritage as you explore a remarkable story of innovation, industrial progress, and the hardworking Pennsylvanians who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation. From the remains of historic furnaces that once dotted the landscape to the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum that works to preserve this history for generations to come, these historic sites provide a unique window into the past, allowing visitors to connect with the rich iron heritage that defines Pennsylvania's place in American history.