Allegheny Furnace, bloomery in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Allegheny Furnace is a stone and brick iron furnace built in 1811, located at the corner of Union and Crescent Road. The structure features sturdy walls, a large opening for iron production, and a furnace stack that demonstrates the simple, functional design of early industrial metalwork.
The furnace was built in 1811 and was among the first in the area, with upgrades made in 1847 and 1852. It initially used charcoal for fuel, switched to coke in the 1860s for greater efficiency, and ceased operations in the 1870s.
The name references the mountain range that shaped the region and influenced early industrial development. Today the site is maintained by the Altoona Women's Club, who preserve it as a reminder of the workers who labored here daily.
The site is easily accessible at the roadside and can be viewed from the outside without entry fees. However, there are no dedicated pathways or ramps for visitors with mobility issues, so comfortable shoes and caution are recommended.
The bloomery technique was a remarkably simple method of iron production compared to modern blast furnaces, involving heating ore in an open fire with charcoal. This process allowed early communities to produce iron locally without relying on large-scale industrial equipment.
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