Durham Mill and Furnace, Industrial heritage site in Durham Township, Pennsylvania.
Durham Mill and Furnace is a three-story stone building with an internal overshot waterwheel and a brick warehouse extension from 1912. The complex displays the working layout of an industrial milling and smelting operation from the 18th century.
The furnace was founded in 1727 and produced iron materials for industrial and military use over seven decades. It supplied critical equipment to forces during the American Revolution.
Colonel George Taylor, who ran furnace operations here, later signed the Declaration of Independence, linking this site to a pivotal moment in American history. His connection shows how this industrial place played a role in the lives of people who shaped the nation.
The site sits in a rural setting and is best explored on foot to see the full layout of the structures. Good walking shoes are recommended since the grounds and stone surfaces can be uneven.
A post office opened here in 1723 and was the second oldest in the United States, serving the local community alongside the mill's grain operations. This combination shows how industrial sites often became gathering places for everyday commerce and communication.
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