Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site encompasses a total area of 848 acres of protected land that lies five miles south of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, on PA 345. The park can also be accessed by driving about 10 miles from the Morgantown interchange off the PA Turnpike using PA 23 East and PA 345 North.

The attractions at the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site include an ‘iron plantation’ that was founded by Mark Bird, the first ironmaster, of Hopewell Furnace who lived between 1771-1883. This place was one of the finest examples of a rural American 19th-century iron plantation. 

Some of the structures at the ‘iron plantation’ included a blast furnace, the ironmaster's house and supporting structures like a company store, a blacksmith's shop, and several worker's houses. Such ‘iron plantations’ were the backbone of America's iron and steel industry and are therefore of great historical interest. 

The Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site was initially designated the Hopewell Village National Historic Site on August 3, 1938, but was later renamed on September 19, 1985. Besides the historical attraction to this site, visitors to the park can also get to enjoy a lot of recreational activities including hiking, self-guided tours, and living history programs. 

Some of the amenities in the park to facilitate these activities include self-guided trails, museum/exhibit, restrooms, and a visitor center. Dogs are also allowed into Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site although, like other national parks across the country, some restrictions are designed to protect the park's resources. 

For example, dogs are not allowed into any park building. Additionally, in any other area where dogs can visit, they must be on a leash. The dog’s leash must not be longer than six feet in length. Furthermore, if a dog is not on a leash, then the pooch must be safely kept in an enclosure.