Reading Furnace Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Reading Furnace Historic District
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Reading Furnace and Farm buildings, September 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mansion Road, Warwick Township and East Nantmeal Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 13.3 acres (5.4 ha) |
| Built | 1744 |
| Built by | Drexel, Gottlieb |
| Architect | Okie, Richardson Brognard |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000797 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 1987 |
The Reading Furnace Historic District is a special historical area in Pennsylvania. It's found in Warwick Township and East Nantmeal Township, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This district is a historic district, which means it's a place with important buildings and land that tell a story from the past.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Reading Furnace
The Reading Furnace was once a very busy place for making iron. It played a big part in colonial times.
Early Owners and Iron Making
The furnace was first owned by William Branson, who was a pioneer in making iron. Later, his grandson, Samuel Van Leer, took over. Samuel Van Leer was also an important iron owner and an officer in the American Revolutionary War. William Branson also owned a nearby historical home called Warrenpoint House.
Role in the American Revolution
The Reading Furnace was very important during the American Revolutionary War.
- It supplied cannons and cannonballs for the American army.
- It is linked to the Franklin Stove, a special type of stove that was more efficient.
- After a battle, George Washington's army came here for musket repairs.
- Both General Nathanael Greene's company and George Washington himself stayed here.
- The location is even listed as a temporary headquarters for George Washington.
What Makes Up the Historic District?
The Reading Furnace Historic District includes several important parts that show its history. These are called "contributing" elements because they help tell the story of the place.
- Buildings: There are seven contributing buildings. These include the main mansion house, a tenant house, a barn, a large shed, and three smaller outbuildings.
- Mansion House: The stone mansion was built in three stages. Construction started in 1744 and continued until 1936. The most recent part was designed by R. Brognard Okie.
- Sites: There are two contributing sites. One is the remains of a dam from the 1700s. The other is the foundation of the original Reading Furnace, built in 1736.
- Structure: There is one contributing structure. This is a stone arch bridge built in 1904.
The Reading Furnace Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's officially recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
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Reading Mansion
