South Oakland in Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Eliza Furnace
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
With new technology, Jones & Laughlin rebuilt the Eliza furnace, eventually adding new furnaces.
Molten iron from Eliza was first transported across the river by boat and later by rail cars over the Hot Metal Bridge. There, on the south side of the river, were the Bessemer Converters and open hearths. Steel ingots went back across the river to be rolled or fabricated into sheets, wire, rails, and other products.
Eliza and the other blast furnaces posed an ever-present danger for workers. In 1907, without warning, the No. 2 furnace exploded and burned 14 workers to death.
The tragedy brought steel men from all over the nation to examine Eliza for flaws. None were found.
As Big Steel change, the last Eliza Furnace was shut down on June 22, 1979, and replaced with two electric furnaces across the river on the South Side. These furnaces closed in 1987.
Erected by Friends of the Riverfront with support from PA DCNR, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation, City of PIttsburgh, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1979.
Location. 40° 25.577′ N, 79° 57.229′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in South Oakland. Marker can be reached from Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Marker is located on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15213, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jones and Laughlin (here, next to this marker); Iron and Steel Workers (here, next to this marker); Hazelwood: A Rivertown Rich in History (approx. 0.3 miles away); Materials Handling (approx. half a mile away); The MonCon Railroad (approx. half a mile away); Open Hearth Steel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rivers of Steel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Cast Iron Columns (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.
Also see . . . Friends of the Riverfront - Three Rivers Heritage Trail. (Submitted on December 9, 2016, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2016, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 191 times this year. Last updated on February 2, 2022, by Kelsey Ripper of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2016, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.