• Hopewell Furnace Village

    Hopewell Furnace

    National Historic Site Pennsylvania

  • Forested Area impacted by a wildfire

    Forested area at Hopewell and French Creek were recently impacted by a wildfire. Visitors are encouraged to use caution while hiking the trails. Be aware that some natural hazards such as deadfalls and burned limbs may still fall from impacted trees.

How American Industrialization Began.

Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American industrial landscape from natural resource extraction to enlightened conservation. Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other "iron plantations" laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.

Did You Know?

Hardwood trees and distant hillside coverd with trees.

Hardwood trees produced the highest quality and quantity of charcoal to fuel early ironworks.  Chestnut was the principal tree of the forest surrounding Hopewell Furnace, and along with Oak, Hickory, Maple and Walnut trees, were harvested by the thousands each year to fuel the furnace.