“Codorus Furnace”
Nestled in the woods along the Codorus Creek is the Revolutionary blast furnace. In 1765, William Bennet built the forge and furnace. The furnace was operated by James Smith, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, during the Revolutionary War. This site is the oldest remaining landmark of the iron industry in York County. The furnace is made of selected stone bound with iron hoops and lined with sandstone and fire-clay. The furnace was built against the side of a hill with a bridge from the hill to the top of the furnace. Over this bridge the workers carried baskets of ore, charcoal and limestone and poured the raw materials into layers at the top of the furnace. Blasts of very hot air were forced into the furnace and the resulting liquid was percolated to the bottom. It was then tapped off at intervals into large ladles. This molted iron is called Codorus Furnace Historic Marker "pig iron" or just "pig". It was poured into molds. Later the metal smiths or blacksmiths worked it into different shapes or forms to make the desired items. The operation was supplied with iron ore and lime from several quarries and ore banks located throughout the Township.
Medium: Pen&Ink
Size: 11x14 Framed to 16x20
Nestled in the woods along the Codorus Creek is the Revolutionary blast furnace. In 1765, William Bennet built the forge and furnace. The furnace was operated by James Smith, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, during the Revolutionary War. This site is the oldest remaining landmark of the iron industry in York County. The furnace is made of selected stone bound with iron hoops and lined with sandstone and fire-clay. The furnace was built against the side of a hill with a bridge from the hill to the top of the furnace. Over this bridge the workers carried baskets of ore, charcoal and limestone and poured the raw materials into layers at the top of the furnace. Blasts of very hot air were forced into the furnace and the resulting liquid was percolated to the bottom. It was then tapped off at intervals into large ladles. This molted iron is called Codorus Furnace Historic Marker "pig iron" or just "pig". It was poured into molds. Later the metal smiths or blacksmiths worked it into different shapes or forms to make the desired items. The operation was supplied with iron ore and lime from several quarries and ore banks located throughout the Township.
Medium: Pen&Ink
Size: 11x14 Framed to 16x20