1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. National & State Parks

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site        

courtesy of the National Park Service

Contact Information:
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site  
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520

610-582-8773
http://www.nps.gov/hofu/

Size: 848 acres. 

Location: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is located 5 miles south of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, on PA 345; 10 miles from Morgantown interchange of the PA Turnpike, via PA 23 East and PA 345 North.

Description: This 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 Mark Bird, the first ironmaster. The furnace operated until 1883.

 

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site  
courtesy of the National Park Service

Activities: Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center provides audio/visual programs and exhibits to enhance understanding of the park's history, life in the 1830's, and the iron making industry. Tours are self guided. Living history programs and demonstrations are presented during summer and special event days. 

Operating Hours
:
The park is open daily, 9am to 5pm. The park is closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Visitation is highest in August and September and lowest in January and February. Spring and Fall are popular with school tours.  

History
: Designated Hopewell Village National Historic Site on August 3, 1938; renamed on September 19, 1985.

See other National Historic Sites
See other Pennsylvania National Parks

Explore National & State Parks
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. National & State Parks

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.