Scranton in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Making Steel
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
1. Making Steel Marker
The Bessemer process involved charging a large egg-shaped vessel with several tons of molten pig iron and blowing air through passages in the bottom. The resulting shower of sparks was the excess carbon being burned off. Rather than remove all the carbon, the blows (periods of blast) were timed so that a small percentage of it remained, thus creating steel. Steel rail was much more durable than iron and by 1876, had become the standard in the railroad industry.
In 1883, following a disagreement with fellow board members, William Scranton left the firm and, with the help of his brother Walter, built the Scranton Steel Company. The new works was located about one mile to the west of this site on the banks of the Lackawanna River. Scranton Steel also produced steel rails utilizing the Bessemer process. Competition between the two firms ended in 1891, when they merged to form the titan Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company - the third largest steel works in America.
The length of rail on display was rolled at Scranton Steel in May 1889.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce
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Location. 41° 24.242′ N, 75° 39.77′ W. Marker is in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in Lackawanna County. Marker is at the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Mattes Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Cedar Avenue. Located at the Scranton Iron Furnace Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scranton PA 18505, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rolling and Puddling (a few steps from this marker); Casting Iron (a few steps from this marker); Supplying the Blast (a few steps from this marker); Settlement (a few steps from this marker); The Lackawanna Valley (a few steps from this marker); Scranton Iron Furnaces (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Scranton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blast Furnaces (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scranton.
More about this marker. An illustration on the left shows the Bessemer process in action. Photos on the right show the Lackawanna Iron & Steel company works as they appeared when in use.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
2. Making Steel Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
3. Portion of the Steel Rail
The rail is mounted along the sidewalk leading to the Furnace tops and exhibits.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
4. Site of the Steel Works
The steel works were located on the site presently occupied by the General Dynamics plant. Today the plant is an armaments production factory.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 797 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
