Iron and Steel

The natural resources available in our region facilitated three centuries of iron and steel production in portions of Chester, Berks, Montgomery, and Lancaster Counties. The northern and central tiers of Chester County were home to Hopewell, Warwick, Hibernia, and other iron furnaces, as well as dozens of forges. Starting in the early 1700's, immigrants with the knowledge of manufacturing iron came seeking a better life. Their skill, combined with abundant resources, brought wealth and commerce to the colony, and later the commonwealth, of Pennsylvania. Today, numerous heritage sites and landscapes commemorate and celebrate the industry that literally forged our nation.

During the American Revolution, the region's iron furnaces produced cannons and munitions that helped George Washington and the Continental Army win the war. The region witnessed the struggle to end slavery and welcomed the nation's first female industrialist, Rebecca Lukens. Immigrant labor in iron-country contributed to the Union cause during the Civil War and helped make our nation an industrial giant by the start of the 20th century. As the nation’s material needs for construction and industry shifted from iron to steel, two Chester County companies played prominent roles in steel manufacturing well into the 20th century: Lukens Steel in Coatesville and Phoenix Iron and Steel in Phoenixville. Both were innovators. Lukens was known for its rolled steel plate and large-scale components for construction. Phoenix was known for its bridges and structural iron columns used in construction.

In addition to iron and steel, other industries were found throughout Chester County. In addition to grist mills, there were small-scale textile mills, paper mills, quarrying, ceramics, and more. All have played a role in the growth of Chester County's population and economy since the 18th century.