Clinton Furnace
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Pittsburgh's first successful blast furnace for making pig iron. Operations began near here, 1859, using Connellsville coke as fuel. The furnace's technology initiated a new era, leading to more advanced furnaces capable of producing huge amounts of iron and resulting in the modern blast furnace. Clinton Furnace played an important role in establishing Pittsburgh's dominance in iron and steel making. Operations ended in 1927.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
When the Clinton Furnace fired up near here in 1859, it became Pittsburgh's first successful blast furnace for making pig iron, fueled by Connellsville coke. Its success proved a technology that would be scaled up into ever-larger furnaces capable of producing iron in enormous quantities. Operating until 1927, Clinton Furnace helped launch the city's rise as the iron and steel capital of America.
Why it matters
The furnace marks the beginning of Pittsburgh's industrial dominance, a transformation that helped build modern America's cities, railroads, and skylines.
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Related events
- · Clinton Furnace, 1859
Themes & tags
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