Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

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buildings varying in size on either side of a gravel path.
A community grew around the furnace, it yielded iron and a way of life.
Front of Hopewell Furnace's Boarding House
Hopewell Furnace's Boarding House housed single men or those living away from their families, who came to work at the furnace.
Side view of blacksmith shop with cast house behind it.
The Cast House was the industrial center of the ironworks. It is were iron ore was smelted into iron metal and products. The smaller blacksmith shop formed iron metal into all kinds of necessary tools and goods used in everyday life.
Side view of Hopewell Stove in front of wagon running gear.
The most notable manufactured product Hopewell Furnace made was its stoves. They were produced by the thousands at Hopewell and other like furnaces in the early 19th century and were transported for sale by horse and wagon.
Demonstration charcoal pile smoldering.
Charcoal was the fuel used to fire Hopewell Furnace and other furnaces of its age. Thousands of bushles of charcoal were made from hardwood trees on the furnace lands and entered into the furnace to keep it "in blast."
Photos: National Park Service

About Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

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

Quick Facts

State Pennsylvania
Designation National Historic Site
State Code PA
Weather Summers are generally humid with daily temps. averaging 83 degrees (F) for a high and 60 degrees (F) for a low. Daily temps. in January average 38 degrees (F) for…

Location & Map

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is located in Pennsylvania.

Operating Hours

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. On days the park is closed, its historic buildings, parking lot and visitor center are unavailable for use, but its trails (which interconnect with trails from French Creek State Park) remain open. Restrooms will remain open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on days that the park is closed between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the rest of the year, restrooms will remain closed on days when the park is closed.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday Closed
Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday Closed
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Arts and Culture Craft Demonstrations Cultural Demonstrations Astronomy Stargazing Biking Compass and GPS Geocaching Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Volunteer Vacation Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Hunting and Gathering Gathering and Foraging Living History Junior Ranger Program Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Getting There

On PA Route 345, 5 miles South of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA, 19520
Phone 6105828773
Email hofu_superintendent@nps.gov

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Visitor Centers

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Visitor Center - 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520

Your first stop should be the Hopewell Furnace NHS Visitor Center where you will find staff eager to assist with your orientation to the park.…

Hours: Winter Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday December through March.

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