Smock in Fayette County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

America's First Iron Puddling Furnace

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 10, 2017

1. America's First Iron Puddling Furnace Marker

Inscription. In 1817 ironmaster Isaac Meason and Welshman, Thomas Lewis built a puddling furnace and bar rolling mill here using a process from Wales that revolutionized the iron industry. It removed carbon from brittle pig iron creating malleable wrought iron in one step, making iron production much more efficient and less costly. Later, "puddlers" in Pittsburgh formed the first metals union, the Sons of Vulcan, forerunner of the United Steelworkers.

Erected 2017 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.

Location. 39° 58.076′ N, 79° 45.011′ W. Marker is in Smock, Pennsylvania, in Fayette County. Marker is at the intersection of Pittsburgh Road (Pennsylvania Route 51) and Laurel Hill Road, on the right when traveling north on Pittsburgh Road. Located at Uniontown Kawasaki, the marker was dedicated on September 10, 2017. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Smock PA 15480, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Searight’s Tollhouse

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(approx. 2.7 miles away); Toll House (approx. 2.7 miles away); Smock Honor Roll (approx. 2.8 miles away); North Union Township Veterans Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away); 9/11 Memorial (approx. 4 miles away); None Dare Forget (approx. 4.3 miles away); Fayette County Civil War Memorial (approx. 4½ miles away); Rowes Run Community Honor Roll (approx. 4.6 miles away).

Also see . . . Isaac Meason at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on September 10, 2017, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 10, 2017

2. America's First Iron Puddling Furnace Marker

America's First Iron Puddling Furnace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 10, 2017

3. America's First Iron Puddling Furnace

Color diagram of the furnace

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 10, 2017

4. America's First Iron Puddling Furnace Marker

Being unveiled by:
Christine Buckelew-President, Fayette County Historical Society
Norman L. Samways, Ph.D., Historian
Kenneth Turner, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 10, 2017

5. America's First Iron Puddling Furnace Marker

L to R: Christine Buckelew-President, Fayette County Historical Society
Norman L. Samways, Ph.D., Historian
Kenneth Turner, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2017, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 959 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2017, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.