Juniata Iron Works facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Juniata Iron Works
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Overview of the site
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off Pennsylvania Route 885, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Alexandria, Porter Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| MPS | Industrial Resources of Huntingdon County, 1780-1939 MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000404 |
| Added to NRHP | March 20, 1990 |
The Juniata Iron Works, also known as the Hatfield Iron Works, is a special place in Porter Township, Pennsylvania. It is a historic district, which means it's an important area with old buildings that tell a story about the past. This site was once a busy place where people made iron.
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What is the Juniata Iron Works?
The Juniata Iron Works was a large industrial site. It was a place where iron was made from raw materials. This process was very important for making tools, machines, and other metal items. The iron works closed down in the mid-1870s. After it closed, the machinery was taken apart.
Buildings at the Iron Works
The historic district includes six important buildings. These buildings show us what life was like at an iron works long ago.
Homes of the Ironmasters
There are two large houses that belonged to the "ironmasters." An ironmaster was the person in charge of the iron works.
- The first ironmaster's house was built in 1841. It is a brick house with two and a half stories. It also has a section at the back called an "ell."
- The second ironmaster's house was built later, in 1867. This is also a two-and-a-half-story brick house with a rear ell. It has a main entrance built in the Federal style, which was popular at the time.
Store and Post Office
Another building served as both a store and a post office. The first floor is made of brick, and the second floor is made of wood. Today, this building is used as a bed and breakfast.
The Grist Mill
A grist mill was also part of the complex. This mill was built in 1856 and has three and a half stories. A grist mill is a place where grain is ground into flour.
Workers' Houses
There are also two houses where the workers lived. These homes were important for the people who worked hard at the iron works every day.
History of the Iron Works
The Juniata Iron Works started with an iron furnace. This furnace was first built on the south side of the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River. In the late 1840s, the entire complex moved to the north side of the river. This move likely helped the iron works grow or operate more efficiently.
The Juniata Iron Works was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This listing helps protect the site and its history for future generations.
