Forges and Furnaces collection , 1727-1921.

ArchivalResource

Forges and Furnaces collection , 1727-1921.

The Forges and Furnaces Collection at The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) represents a significant repository of the original forge and furnace books that documents the rise-and-fall of the charcoal iron industry of Pennsylvania. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, due to its rich iron deposits, southeastern Pennsylvania was the major center of American iron production. As time passed, the industry moved steadily westward from the Schuylkill Valley where it started to the Susquehanna Valley and its tributaries; to the Juniata River and the ports on the Union Canal; and eventually to Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. In time, charcoal gave way to coke, and iron to steel. The collection documents that progression.

158 boxes, 955 vols. (271.2 linear feet)

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 7324589

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Historical Society of Pennsylvania

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68h98vd (corporateBody)

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania was established in 1824 by seven young Philadelphians who were inspired by the patriotic celebrations and renewed civic pride brought on by the Marquis d Lafayette's visit to the United States. The aim of their fledgling organization was to collect and preserve evidence related to history of the commonwealth, to encourage scholarly research, and to stimulate public interest in American history. This mission remains central to the wo...