Hopewell Barn

Barn and Barnyard

NPS photo/

Quick Facts

Location:

Hopewell Furnace

Significance:

Historic Barn

Amenities

4 listed

Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Along with the many nationalities of people that immigrated to North America came animals unknown to the continent. Domesticated animals including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and various species of fowl became common in early communities. Hopewell maintained a number of animals that provided food, power, and clothing materials necessary for the daily operations of the furnace and the lifestyle of its workers.

he barn served as home for many of the animals that sustained the furnace community as well as a store house for the materials that sustained the animals. The furnace company's horses and mules were housed in stalls on the barn's the lower floor. A few cows were also kept and milked on this level, too. Smaller animals such as sheep, pigs and fowl were housed in separate pens and shelters nearby. 

Today, Hopewell retains some of the same types of animals that would have been here when the furnace was in full operation. They serve as living examples of the work and life that made up the iron furnace community.