Bradys Bend Iron Company Furnaces facts for kids
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Bradys Bend Iron Company Furnaces
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | PA 68, Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.6 acres (0.24 ha) |
| Built | 1839 |
| Built by | Great Western Iron Works |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003407 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1980 |
The Brady's Bend Iron Company Furnaces, also known as the Brady's Bend Works, is a special historical site in Brady's Bend Township, Pennsylvania. It was once a very important place where iron was made, using huge furnaces and a rolling mill. Think of it as a giant factory from long ago!
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Making Iron at Brady's Bend
This historic site includes old stone furnaces and a rolling mill. These were big machines used to turn raw materials into useful iron products.
How the Furnaces Worked
The first furnace at Brady's Bend started working in 1840. A second one was added in 1845. These were "hot blast furnaces," which means they used hot air to make the iron-making process more efficient. Powerful steam engines, each with 250 horsepower, ran these furnaces.
The Rolling Mill
A "rolling mill" is a place where hot metal is pressed and shaped between heavy rollers. The rolling mill at Brady's Bend also used a 250-horsepower steam engine and began operating in January 1842.
Who Started It?
The Great Western Iron Works company started these furnaces and the mill in August 1839. After 1844, the company became known as the Brady's Bend Iron Company.
Why Was Brady's Bend So Important?
Many people called Brady's Bend the "Pittsburgh of the Middle 1800s." This is because it was a major center for making iron and steel, much like Pittsburgh is famous for today. It was also known as the "Cradle of the Iron and Steel Industry in America." This means it was one of the very first and most important places where this industry grew in the United States.
Making T-Rails
The Brady's Bend Iron Company was famous for making the first "T-rails" west of the Allegheny Mountains. T-rails are a special type of metal rail shaped like the letter "T" when you look at its end. These rails were super important for building railroad tracks, which helped trains travel all across the country.
When Did It Close?
The iron works at Brady's Bend kept making iron products for many years. However, the company eventually closed down in 1873.
A Historic Landmark
The Brady's Bend Iron Company Furnaces are so important that they were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This list includes places that are very special to the history of the United States. It was also recognized with a Pennsylvania state historical marker in 1946.
