America's Best History Spotlight

On this page we're going to Spotlight the lesser known historic sites and attractions that dot the history landscape across the USA and are worth a visit if you're in their area. And while they may be lesser known, some are very unique, and will be that rare find. You'll be, at times, on the ground floor, or maybe even know something others don't. It'll be fun. Visit them.

The remnants of Warwick Furnace

Washington's Furnaces, Pennsylvania

The furnaces fifty miles west of Philadelphia were imperative to keeping the Continental Army afloat after their defeats at the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of the Clouds. So George Washington and the Continental Army fled to Warwick Furnaces and Reading Funaces where they could replace supplies, fix muskets, and provide a place to bury cannons if the British overtook Reading Furnace and Warwick Furnace, where Washington thought they were heading. Therefore, Washington was more concerned about his forges than he was in keeping the British from waltzing into Philadelphia and taking the capitol.

Image above: A closer view at the remnants of Warwick Furnace, 2022, America's Best History.



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Info, What's There Now, History Nearby

Reading Furnace

Reading Furnace

Reading Furnace is located just five miles west of Warwick Furnace, and a portion of Washington's forces were housed there. He and his subordinates Alexander Hamilton, Lafayette, and others are reported to have eatern dinner here served by Thomas Bull's wife, former head of Warwick Furnace and then concurrently housed as a prison on a British ship in New York Harbor.

At some time during his stay, Washington learned that the troops he had left behind in the area of Malvern, General Anthony Wayne's force, about one quarter the strength of the Continental Army, had been massacred at Paoli at midnight. Their mission had been to keep track of where the British Army under Cornwallis, but had failed to post enough guards to warn of the attack. It was at this time he gathered his troops at both Reading Furnace and Warwick Furnace, heading east to meet with the wounded remnants of Wayne's contingent. They would eventually make camp at Camp Pottsgrove, between Sanatoga Hills and Frederick.

Warwick Furnace can be visited by the public. It houses waysides, trails, remnants of the furnace, signs about its role in the Civil War, and the original barns and house. The barns and house are privately owned, but protected.

Image above: The buildings of Reading Furnace, now private property, where some of the Continental Army camped, 2022, America's Best History Below: Sign on the private property of Reading Furnace today. Original buildings still remains as well as more modern buidings, 2022, America's Best History.


Sign of Reading Furnace

Where Are They?

Both furnaces are located about fifty miles west of Philadelphia off Route 23. Washington's route there had been up Route 23 through Phoenixville and just past Knauertown. There is a marker on the left side, at Warwick Furnace Road. Turn left there and continue on the road until reaching the parking lot of Warwick Furnace. There is a small parking lot and the property below the house is owned by the French Creek and Pickering Trust and is open to explore. The house and barn, which were part of the furnace, are private. Reading Furnace is best found by looking on your GPS or asking a local where it is. Not far, but a bit confusing to get there.


Minute Walk in History



What is There Now


Washington's Furnaces

Warwick Furnace, now known as the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve, is open sunrise to sunset. There is a small parking lot, remnants of the original furnace, and many trails to walk. These are all on property owned by a preservation organization and can be explored. The original house and barns, with some additions, are original, but privately owned. Reading Furnace is private owned, well kept, and should be respected. Pictures from the farm road in front of the property is as far as you should go.

When Open and How Much

The grounds of Warwick Furnace are open year round. There is no charge.

Fees and hours are subject to change.

Websites
Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve
Reading Furnace Historic District


History Nearby


This is Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolution country at its furthest west. The main sites of the area include battlefields and Hopewell Furnace, which did not participate in the war, but is a wonderful National Park Service site to visit.



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