Phoenixville in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Symbols of Steel Sculpture Garden
The wrought iron Phoenix Columns here in the Symbols of Steel Sculpture Garden once supported the floors of the Stegmaier Brewery, a Wilkes-Barre, PA, landmark. The Romanesque style brewery building was constructed in the late 19th century and continued in operation until 1974.
Samuel Reeves designed the Phoenix Column here at the Phoenix Iron Company. It was patented in 1862. As an important architectural and engineering innovation, the Phoenix Column was used for bridges all over the United States and as far away as Russia and Japan. Because of its resistance to corrosion, it was used for several piers along the New Jersey seacoast. It also provided structural support for many important projects, including the Vanderbilt Mansion in Asheville, NC; the Washington Monument; and the first elevated train in New York City.
The sculpture garden was conceived and designed by Barbara Cohen and Charles Berger. Structural design was provided by Jan Vacca, landscape design by Joe Orsatti, column installation by John Phillips, and column restoration by Barry Chendorain. The columns were transported to Phoenixville courtesy of Joseph Mooney.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Natural Resources • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.
Location. 40° 8.111′ N, 75° 31.024′ W. Marker is in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. Marker and sculpture garden are adjacent to the northeast facade of the Schuylkill Valley Heritage Center (former Foundry building). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 N Main Street, Phoenixville PA 19460, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Phoenix Iron & Steel Company (within shouting distance of this marker); 1871 Phoenix Column Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Foundry Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Phoenix Iron Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Phoenixville War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Phoenixville Vietnam War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); American Legion Post 482 War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); The Griffen Cannon and Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Phoenixville.
Also see . . . Phoenix Iron Company. (Submitted on October 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 931 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.