Homestead in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Steel on the Move
The Ingot Buggy
This ingot buggy holding two ingot molds stands as a symbol of the massive Homestead Steel Works—the mill that dominated the landscape and economy of this area from the completion in 1881 until it shut down in 1986.
After steel was made in Homestead's Open Hearth facilities, it was often formed into ingots—columns of steel—by being poured into ingot molds such of these. The ingot would be transported through the Works on an ingot buggy pulled by a railroad engine.
The molds were removed, or "stripped," and the ingots were reheated in soaking pits.
The steel could then be transformed into a variety of products.
After the mill shut down, Steve Simko, head of the Homestead Works' "Big Shop," encouraged the works' owner, United States Steel, to donate the ingot buggy and molds to the community. U.S. Steel complied, granting the Homestead-area Economic Revitalization Corporation control of this equipment. Since that time, countless residents and visitors have viewed this reminder of the Homestead Works.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
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Location. 40° 24.351′ N, 79° 54.732′ W. Marker is in Homestead, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. Marker is at the intersection of West Street and West 8th Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 837), on the right when traveling south on West Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 806 West St, Homestead PA 15120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chiodo's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); 1892 Homestead Strike Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Frances Perkins (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mary Harris "Mother" Jones (about 600 feet away); John D. Kelly (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Homestead.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
