Hopewell Furnace
Historic (National Park Service), Elverson, Pennsylvania
Hopewell Furnace in southeastern Pennsylvania was a charcoal-fueled iron furnace that operated from 1771 to 1883. It was best known for cast-iron stoves, made by the thousands in the early 1800s until stove casting ended in 1844. The 848-acre site is now a National Park Service historic site.
- Company
- Historic (National Park Service)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- 1771
- Employees
- Not stated
- Industry
- Steel and metals
- Revised
- November 12, 2026
What is made here
Charcoal-fueled iron furnace best known for casting iron stoves, made by the thousands in the early 19th century.
Facts
| Years in operation | Operated from 1771 until its final blast in 1883 (federal: nps.gov) |
|---|---|
| Products | Stoves were its most notable product, made by the thousands in the early 19th century, with iron poured into sand molds to make stove plates; stove casting ended at the furnace in 1844 (federal: nps.gov) |
| Fuel | Charcoal made from hardwood trees on the furnace lands fueled the furnace (federal: nps.gov) |
| Park size | The national historic site covers 848 acres (federal: nps.gov) |
Figures are as stated by the source named next to each one. Company figures are the company's own claims.
Can you visit?
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is open to visitors (nps.gov) Check the operator's site before you go.
Sources
- NPS: Hopewell Furnace history and culture (federal, checked November 12, 2026)
- NPS: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (federal, checked November 12, 2026)
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