PA Historic Places

Exploring the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site

A collage of images from the Scranton Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA. The upper left image shows the exterior of the stone furnaces with arches and a modern observation deck. The upper right image features a closer view of an interior arch with a protective gate. The lower left image is a view looking down into the depths of a furnace, revealing its brick lining. The lower right image displays the site's welcoming sign, indicating it is managed by the Anthracite Heritage Museum and designated as a state historic site by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Scranton Iron Furnaces historic site in Lackawanna County, you’re in the right place!

The historic Scranton Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA, shown on a sunny day with clear blue skies. The image captures the stone structure of the furnaces, featuring multiple arched openings and a grassy hill in the foreground. A well-preserved stone well or monument is visible in the left foreground, and leafless trees dot the background. Shadows from the low sun stretch across the vibrant green lawn, highlighting the texture of the stone construction and the tranquility of the site. — This historic site preserves the remains of four stone blast furnaces that were built between 1848 and 1857.

The Scranton Iron Furnaces stand as a monumental emblem of the city’s industrial past, dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Scranton was a thriving center of iron production.

A ground-level view of one of the stone blast furnaces at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, showing a large arched opening secured with a metal gate. Above the arch, the furnace's massive stonework supports a modern viewing platform with a metal railing. The clear blue sky in the background contrasts with the warm stone texture, and the green grass in the foreground adds to the peaceful setting. — The furnaces were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Directions | Hours | Fees

The Scranton Iron Furnaces historic site is located at 159 Cedar Ave, Scranton, PA 18505.

The site is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

Entrance sign for the Scranton Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA, under a clear blue sky. The sign indicates the site is managed by the Anthracite Heritage Museum and is a state historic site administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. It features symbols for parking and accessibility, with power lines in the background and a glimpse of industrial structures beyond. — Entrance to the site.

There is no fee to visit the Scranton Iron Furnaces.

The Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site on a bright day, with a picturesque view of the stone structure and multiple arches. A modern, covered viewing platform sits atop the stone furnace remains, overlooking a lush green lawn. A paved path leads to the furnaces, and informational signs are visible at the path's entrance. To the right, Roaring Brook flows gently by, bordered by a chain-link fence, with leafless trees lining its banks against a backdrop of a clear blue sky. — The furnaces are part of a park-like setting along the banks of Roaring Run.

Historical Significance of the Furnaces

The Scranton Iron Furnaces, constructed from 1848 to 1857, were integral to the operations of the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company.

A historical marker for Lackawanna Iron in Scranton, PA, detailing the site's significance. The blue and yellow sign states that iron was forged in Slocum Hollow by 1797 and mentions the nearby remains of Lackawanna Iron Co. works begun in 1840. It notes that Scranton and associates made iron rails for the Erie Railroad here in 1847, and that steel-making began in 1875 and ended when the facility closed in 1902. The sign is set against a backdrop of a street with power lines and a building, captured on a sunny day with clear skies. — State historical marker near the entrance to the furnaces.

This company was a major player in the iron industry of Northeast Pennsylvania, significantly influencing the region’s economic development.

An educational poster titled "SCRANTON" with a pink background, detailing the founding of Scranton as an ironmaking community in the late 1830s due to the natural resources of the Lackawanna Valley. It mentions key figures like William Henry, George and Selden Scranton, and Joseph Platt, alongside their black and white portraits, sourced from the Lackawanna Historical Society. The text describes how the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company built its first blast furnace in 1841 and expanded with more furnaces and mills along Roaring Brook. At the bottom, Joseph H. Scranton is noted for his financial backing and eventual role as superintendent. — The industrialists responsible for creating the iron furnaces.

The furnaces represented a period of rapid technological progress in iron production, contributing to the growth of the railroad industry and the wider economic boom of the era.

A bottom-up perspective inside one of the blast furnaces at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site in Scranton, PA. The image shows the circular brick structure of the furnace, with layers of red and blackened bricks creating a textured interior that leads up to a round opening at the top, allowing daylight to filter in. An accumulation of rocks is visible at the bottom of the furnace, and a metal grate can be seen through the top opening. — A bottom-up perspective inside one of the blast furnaces.

These furnaces were not just industrial facilities; they were symbols of innovation and the American spirit of progress.

An informative display titled "IRON FURNACES" at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site in Scranton, PA, with a pink background. The board provides a historical context, stating that around the ironworks, communities developed with houses, stores, schools, churches, and that immigrants came to work in the ironworks and mines. It also discusses the building of railroads and the growth of the textile mills, machine shops, and foundries. The display includes three historical images: a bird's eye view of Scranton from 1873, a "Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad locomotive" from 1867, and two photos of the iron furnaces, one labeled "The Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company's Old Blast Furnace stack" and the other "The Last Blast Furnace, before restoration." These images are credited to the Lackawanna Historical Society. — The iron furnaces were symbols of innovation and the American spirit of progress.

At their peak, they exemplified the latest advancements in ironmaking technology, including the use of anthracite coal.

Two commemorative plaques on a wall at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site. On the left, a plaque indicates that the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior, circa 1848. To the right, a larger plaque from ASM International designates the Scranton Iron Furnaces as a Historical Landmark, stating that the furnaces spurred the nation's industrial revolution in iron and coal through the use of anthracite and that locally produced rails contributed to the growth of America's 19th-century railroads, dated 2015. — Two commemorative plaques on a wall at the Scranton Iron Furnaces.

Their production capacity helped fuel the demands of a growing nation, especially during critical periods like the Civil War, where their iron was instrumental in the manufacturing of armaments and machinery.

An educational panel titled "MAKING STEEL" at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, with a pink background and black and white historical images. The text discusses the 1875 installation of Bessemer Converters by the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company to process pig iron into steel, and the establishment of the Scranton Steel Company by William Scranton in 1883. It also mentions the merging of companies in 1891, creating the third largest steelworks in America. The panel includes images from Harper's Weekly 1886 depicting the Bessemer process, and historical photos of the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Co. steelworks from the Lackawanna Historical Society. — Steel production began nearby in 1875.

The Site Today

Presently, the remnants of these colossal structures offer a striking glimpse into an era of formidable industrial power.

Top-down view inside a circular blast furnace at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, showcasing the concentric rings of brickwork in varying shades from white to deep red. Sunlight streams in, creating a pattern of shadows on the bricks. Metal railings are visible at the top, and at the bottom, there appears to be accumulated debris, reflecting the historical use of the furnace in the iron-making process. — Top-down view inside one of the blast furnaces.

The site is marked by four towering blast furnaces, each standing about 40 feet high, representing the once-mighty industrial complex that dominated this area.

A sunny day view of the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site in Scranton, PA, featuring a series of stone arches from the remaining furnace structures. A modern viewing platform with a roof is built atop the old stone foundation. In the foreground, a well-maintained grassy area and a walking path invite visitors, with informational signage visible to the left. Bare trees and a clear blue sky complete this tranquil historical scene. — A roof is built over one of the four blast furnaces.

These furnaces, though now silent, speak volumes about the scale and intensity of the iron-making processes of their time.

A close-up of an informational plaque at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site in Scranton, PA, detailing the beginnings of industry in Scranton. The raised lettering on the plaque states that in August of 1840, William Henry, Seldon and George Scranton, and Stanford Grant discovered coal and iron ore while prospecting in the Nay Aug ravine, which led to the purchase of 503 acres and the construction of a blast furnace by September, signifying the birth of industry in the area known as Slocum Hollow, which at the time only had a schoolhouse, gristmill, sawmill, cooper shop, and five dwellings. — The beginnings of Scranton itself.

The surrounding area has been carefully curated to enhance visitors’ understanding, with numerous informational displays that describe the operation of the furnaces and the daily lives of the workers who operated them.

An informational sign at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site titled "CASTING IRON," with text and illustrations on a pink background. The sign explains that the blast furnace was the core of iron-making, lined with heat-resistant brick and filled with layers of iron ore, anthracite, and limestone. Two illustrations depict scenes from the 19th century: the first shows workers casting pig iron labeled "Casting pig iron" from the 'Cyclopædia of Useful Arts' edited by Charles Tomlinson, 1851, and the second illustrates "Dumping coal and ore into the furnace" from 'Wiley’s American Iron Trade Manual' edited by Thomas Dunlop, 1874. A diagram titled "Cross section of an Anthracite Blast Furnace" from 'The Practical Steelworker' by E.B. Elwell, 1886, is also included. Additional text describes the operation and lifespan of furnaces during that period, specifically at Scranton Works. — The site features plenty of infographics to explain how the furnaces worked.

The Railroad Connection

Just a stone’s throw away from the furnaces lies the historic DL&W (Delaware, Lackawanna & Western) train station, another significant piece of Scranton’s industrial heritage.

A clear day view of the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site in Scranton, PA, featuring a rust-colored metal fence in the foreground with a stone foundation, a gazebo-style structure in the middle ground, and the historic DL&W Train Station, now a hotel, in the background against a blue sky. Sports fields and modern buildings are visible further back. — The former DL&W train station sits right behind the furnaces.

The rise of the railroad in Scranton paralleled the growth of the iron furnaces.

The former DL&W Train Station in Scranton, PA, captured at sunrise with a fiery sky in the backdrop. The building's classic Beaux-Arts architecture, featuring robust columns and an ornate clock, is illuminated by the warm glow of the rising sun. The station's facade, with the name "LACKAWANNA" prominently displayed, stands out against the vibrant morning colors, reflecting the historical significance of this landmark in the context of the city's industrial heritage. — Sunrise over the former DL&W train station, now a Radisson hotel.

As the furnaces thrived, producing massive quantities of iron, the DL&W railroad emerged as a critical conduit, transporting these materials across the nation.

Interior view of the former DL&W Train Station in Scranton, PA, showcasing its grand architecture. The image captures the intricate details of the ornate wrought iron railings, the grandiose columns, and the stunning stained glass ceiling. The elegant balconies and classical design elements speak to the building's historic significance, while the lower level reveals a contemporary setting with shops and a lit chandelier, blending the past with modern adaptations. — The opulent interior of the train station turned hotel.

This symbiotic relationship between the iron industry and the railroad was a key driver in Scranton’s economic ascent, turning the city into a pivotal industrial center in the Northeast United States.

An informational sign about the DL&W Train Station at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, set on a pink background. It details the station's history, constructed in 1908 by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad with design by architect Kenneth Murchison. The sign describes the station's French Renaissance style with marble walls, mosaic tile panels and floors, and a barrel vault ceiling with leaded stained glass. It became a social and economic hub, operating twelve passenger trains daily until the mines' closure in the 1940s. It was later saved by investors and reopened as a hotel in 1983. The sign features a black and white photo of the station's facade, captioned "The DL&W Train station" from "Lackawanna Railroad 'Anthracitations'" 1911, Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum. — History of the DL&W train station on one of the infographic panels at the iron furnaces site.

Today, the beautifully preserved train station-turned-hotel serves as a reminder of the era when iron and rail were the lifeblood of Scranton’s economy.

The grand lobby of the former DL&W Train Station, now a hotel, near the Scranton Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA. The space features a luxurious marble floor, richly patterned with dark and light stones, leading to a seating area with elegant tables and chairs. Above, a magnificent stained glass skylight brightens the interior, and the balcony with classic railings overlooks the lobby. The historical charm of the station is preserved in the opulent decor and architectural details. — Lobby of the former train station.

Final Thoughts

The Scranton Iron Furnaces stand as a testament to a pivotal era in American history.

A side view of the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, with a large stone arch structure and a modern viewing platform on top. In the distance, the buildings of the University of Scranton rise above the treeline under a clear blue sky. The historic architecture of the furnaces contrasts with the modern campus buildings, illustrating the blend of historical and contemporary elements in Scranton, Pennsylvania. — The historic architecture of the furnaces contrasts with the modern University of Scranton campus buildings in the background, illustrating the blend of historical and contemporary elements in Scranton.

It’s an exploration of an era where industrial might and innovation were key drivers of American progress.

View of the archways within a blast furnace at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, with various brick hues from red to blackened by the furnace's historic use. A rusted metal gate blocks the entrance, behind which lies a pile of debris, showcasing the furnace's age and the conservation efforts in place to preserve this piece of industrial history in Scranton, PA. Shadows cast by the gate's bars add to the texture of the scene. — View of the archways within a blast furnace at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site.

For those interested in the industrial revolution, technological evolution, or the socio-economic transformations of the past, this site offers an unparalleled glimpse into a world that once was.

Perspective view through a series of archways at the Scranton Iron Furnaces Historic Site, revealing the layered stonework and brick masonry. The passage is lit by natural light, highlighting the textures and moss growth on the stones, creating a historical ambiance within this industrial heritage site. Each successive arch frames the next, leading the eye through the corridor of this preserved 19th-century ironmaking structure. — Perspective view through a series of archways behind the blast furnaces.

Nearby Attractions

The Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton preserves the history of the anthracite coal mining industry in northeastern PA, including the cultural legacy of the European immigrants who toiled to extract the region’s “black diamonds.”

A collage of four photos from the Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton, PA. The top left photo shows a large piece of anthracite coal on display in the museum's exhibit hall. The top right photo features a recreated coal miner's chapel with wooden pews and an altar. The bottom left photo depicts a diorama of a miner's home kitchen, while the bottom right photo displays a historical black and white photograph of a miner's family. Together, these images provide a comprehensive overview of the museum's dedication to preserving the history of coal mining and the lifestyle of miners and their families in Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton.

The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, adjacent to the Anthracite Heritage Museum, offers a rare glimpse into the life of an underground coal miner by taking visitors deep below ground into an actual anthracite coal mine.

Collage of four photos from the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour in Scranton, PA. Top left: The welcome sign against a backdrop of the tour building and clear skies. Top right: View from inside a mine car, with visitors wearing hard hats. Bottom left: A tour guide in reflective gear stands before a statue of a miner and a mule at the mine's entrance. Bottom right: A dimly lit mine tunnel with a wooden walkway and electrical lighting extending into the darkness, showcasing the mine's depth and historical ambiance. — Scenes from the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour in Scranton.

Steamtown National Historic Site is both a museum and an active railyard, located on the site of the former Scranton yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W).

A four-image collage from Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA. Upper left shows a vintage steam engine number 26 inside a roundhouse with steam rising. Upper right features two locomotives, including engine 790, displayed on a turntable with a modern building in the background. Lower left is the Union Pacific 'Big Boy' steam engine number 4012, a large black locomotive parked outside. Lower right is the National Park Service round emblem displayed at the historic site. — Scenes from Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton.

The Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton offers a captivating journey into the heart of the city’s once-vibrant streetcar network.

A collage of photos capturing the history and charm of the Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton.

The Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den in Scranton is a must-see for lovers of all things aquatic and reptilian.

Collage of Electric City Aquarium exhibits in Scranton: mural entrance, shark display, coral reef tanks, and a crocodile. — Scenes from the Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den.

The Everhart Museum is a natural history, science, and art museum founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, a prominent Scranton physician and passionate naturalist.

A collage showcasing various exhibits at the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The top-left image features a reconstructed dinosaur skeleton in a dynamic pose. The top-right displays a collection of bronze busts. The bottom-left picture presents an array of bird taxidermy, and the bottom-right shows an art gallery with paintings hung on white walls, with a bench for contemplation. Each image captures the museum's diverse offerings, from natural history to fine arts, providing an engaging experience for visitors of all interests. — Scenes from the Everhart Museum in Scranton.

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