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.
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.