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Hopewell Furnace National Historic SiteCast House in Spring
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Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
History & Culture

The history of Hopewell Furance spans two centuries -- from its untouched natural state as a part of the great eastern American forests -- to its rebirth as a recreational and cultural history area. In between are the stories of industrial development, technology, community, craftsmanship, and natural resources that together changed America. In this section of our web site, you can learn more about the many stories Hopewell Furnace has to tell of the history of our nation, people and land.

Bethesda Church

The Apple Orchard at Hopewell Furnace

Charcoal

Hopewell Furnace's Water Wheel

Hopewell's Iron Ore Mines

Hopewell Furnace in the American Revolution

African-Americans at Hopewell Furnace

The Miners of Hopewell Furnace

Woman's Work at Hopewell Furnace

Charcoal mound steaming and smoldering as it changes from wood into charcoal.  

Did You Know?
Early iron works depended on large stands of forests to produce their fuel. The Hopewell Furnace consumed approximately one acre of woodland (converted into charcoal) per day of iron production.

Last Updated: August 09, 2007 at 11:24 EST