Hopewell Furnace
Hopewell Furnace, PA
Located near Elverson, in southeastern Pennsylvania, is the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, America’s finest example of a former rural “iron plantation.” Surrounded on three sides by the thickly-forested French Creek State Park, the grounds at Hopewell Furnace comprise of 14 restored buildings and structures, preserving an early American industrial landscape. The Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site was established in 1938 and is managed by the National Park Service. It is one of the earliest cultural sites to be included in America’s National Park System.
The village at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site features several different restored buildings and structures that were utilized during the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the blast furnace, the ironmaster’s mansion, the blacksmith shop and the charcoal house. Also included are a few smalls houses that the workers lived in.
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History of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Founded in 1771 by ironmaster Mark Bird, Hopewell Furnace saw its most prosperous years between 1820 and 1840. The American Civil War would once again raise production levels significantly for a brief period.
In the mid-19th century, new methods and technologies in ironmaking, such as the introduction of anthracite-fueled steel mills, would prove disastrous for smaller sites like Hopewell Furnace. Operations at Hopewell Furnace finally ceased in 1883.
Visiting Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Located approximately 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the summer months. During the rest of the year, the park is open Wednesday through Sunday, operating under the same hourly schedule. There is no entrance fee required to visit Hopewell Furnace.
As with most National Park Service sites, the park has a visitor center which provides key information and further history about Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and the surrounding area. The center is fully equipped with a gift shop and restrooms. Merchandise, snacks and beverages are available for purchase inside the visitor center.
Click here to view the official National Park Service page for Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.
