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Hopewell Furnace National Historic SiteTheme(s): Industry & Commerce | |
Description:
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is one of the finest examples of a rural American 19th century iron plantation. The buildings include a blast furnace, the ironmaster's mansion, and auxiliary structures. Hopewell Furnace was founded in 1771 by Ironmaster Mark Bird. The furnace operated until 1883. Designated Hopewell Village National Historic Site August 3, 1938; name changed September 19, 1985. Boundary changes: June 6, 1942; July 24, 1946. Primarily an area that is significant for its cultural resources, Hopewell Furnace consists of 14 restored structures in the core historic area, 52 features on the List of Classified Structures, and a total of 848 mostly wooded acres. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is surrounded by French Creek State Park which preserves the lands the furnace utilized for its natural resources.
Designations:
Hopewell Village National Historic Site (August 3, 1938)
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (September 19, 1985)
Accessibility:
The Visitor Center and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Some of the historic structures are accessible. There is a wheelchair available for use at the visitor center. The historic village is located down a hill from the visitor center. Transportation is available for visitors unable to negotiate the hill upon return to the visitor center and parking lot. Once in the village, the road is gravel and generally flat. All video and slide programs are captioned for the hearing impaired. Written texts of scripts for the audio stations are avalable. Large print brochures and Braille maps of the historic village will assist the visually impaired. The park has a dedicated TDD line (610-582-2093) for the hearing impaired.
Getting Around:
Visitors arrive at the park by private vehicle and park in the Visitor Center parking lot. The village is walk-in only. There are no driving tours available. Bethesda Church is located one mile from the visitor center and is accessible by private vehicle.
Activites:
Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Cross Country Skiing | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Plane:
The nearest airport to Hopewell Furnace NHS is Philadelphia International Airport. The Reading Regional Airport provides commuter flights.
Car:
From the North: PA Route 422 to PA Route 82 South to PA Route 724 East to Route 345 South.
From the East: PA Turnpike (I-76)to exit 23, Downingtown to PA Route 100 North to PA Route 23 West to PA Route 345 North.
From the South, Use Interstate 95 North and follow Eastbound directions.
From the West: PA Turnpike (I-76) to exit 22, Morgantown to PA Route 10 South to PA Route 23 East to PA Route 345 North.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to the park. Greyhound Bus services are located in Reading, approximately 15 miles from the park. Amtrak and regional rail service is available from Downingtown, approximately 20 miles from the park.
Attractions:
French Creek State Park
Phone:610-582-9680
Daniel Boone Homestead
Pottsgrove Manor
Phone:610-326-4014
Blue Marsh Lake
Phone:610-276-6337
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
Phone:610-775-1411
Nearby Parks:
Valley Forge National Historical Park (27 miles)
Independence National Historical Park (60 miles)
Gettysburg National Military Park (116 miles)
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (199 miles)
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