Warwick Furnace and the Revolution

Warwick Township will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a day-long celebration at Warwick Furnace, one of Pennsylvania’s significant Revolutionary-era industrial sites. On September 19, you’re invited to step into the world of colonial America and explore the role this historic furnace played in the nation’s founding.

Learn about Warwick Furnace, one of the earliest ironworks in colonial Pennsylvania, established in 1737. During the American Revolution, the furnace supplied cannon, ammunition and other iron goods essential to the patriot cause and supported the growing movement for independence.

Warwick Furnace was connected to some of the most influential figures of the Revolutionary era. Benjamin Franklin’s first “Franklin Stove” was cast at the furnace. George Taylor, an early clerk of the furnace, would later become a signer of the Declaration of Independence. On September 17 and 18, 1777, following the Battle of the Clouds, General George Washington’s soldiers encamped at the furnace to reup their munitions. Alexander Hamilton sent a letter from the encampment to John Hancock urging him to move Congress out of Philadelphia as the British were near.

This 250th celebration brings history to life through reenactments, demonstrations, lectures and family-friendly activities. Experience a Revolutionary War encampment presented by the Pennsylvania First Regiment, witness replica cannon firings (at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.), meet historical interpreters portraying figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton, and enjoy period music performed on colonial instruments.

Lectures in Warwick Furnace Farm’s historic stone barn will cover Pennsylvania’s colonial iron industry with historian Dan Graham (at 11 and 2), the 1777 British invasion and local stories that shaped the time. See archaeological demonstrations, view artifacts and historical documents related to Warwick Furnace in the gallery, and learn about colonial cooking, paper marbling and long rifles.

Local historic organizations, including Hopewell Furnace, Pottsgrove Manor, Historic Sugartown and the Chester County History Center, will offer demonstrations throughout the grounds. Artisan vendors, food trucks and tours of nearby Hockley Mill, a historic grist mill, will round out the experience.

As our communities reflect on 250 years of American history, this free event offers a special opportunity to encounter that history where it happened.

IF YOU GO

Where: Warwick Furnace & The Thomas P. Bentley Preserve, Warwick Furnace Rd. and Valley Way Rd. (approx. 775 Warwick Furnace Rd., Glenmoore)

When: September 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More Info: Details, parking info and schedule at Warwick-Chester.org/America250