Explore the History of Cornwall Iron Furnace

Pennsylvania has a long-standing reputation for preserving history and our cities shelter some of the nation’s most important and priceless documents, artifacts, and relics. In Lebanon County, Cornwall Iron Furnace stands as the most complete and well-preserved site (in fact, the only intact) charcoal-burning iron blast furnace in its original plantation in the entire world. This industrial relic, a National Historic Landmark, dates back so far that it was operational during the Revolutionary War and was a major arms provider for George Washington’s Continental Army. Having produced, at one point, a seventh of the planet’s iron, Cornwall also gave rise to the state’s first millionaire before steel started to be made in the late 19th-century.

Today, Cornwall Iron Furnace, described by the Smithsonian Institution as a site of “transcendent significance,” can be explored on a guided tour Thursday through Saturday of each week, with the last tour beginning at 3:15PM. Regular admission is $8.00 per adult. View the Gothic Revival architectural style, perfectly preserved, as you walk the grounds and learn about the making of cannons, pig iron, stoves, and more. For more information visit the website.

Afterwards, make a stop at Wertz Candies, a vintage candy store that has been family-owned and -operated for 85 years. The best part of this confectionery is its opera fudge, a local treat and favorite that is only made by a handful of places—in the entire world. Cane sugar, heavy cream, and pure vanilla is combined in this hand-kneaded bite-sized treat then covered in liquid chocolate. Ask for a sample, but you can take our word for it—this stuff’s good and worth buying. If you can’t make it to the charming candy store in Lebanon, there’s another location in Lititz (Cornwall Iron Furnace is located in between both location).

Learn more about Wertz Candies or shop the opera fudge selection online by visiting their website.

Cornwall Iron Furnace

94 Rexmont Rd,

Cornwall, PA 17016

717.272.9711

Wertz Candies

718 Cumberland St,

Lebanon, PA 17042

717.273.0511

Wertz Candies

2 E 28th Division Hwy D,

Lititz, PA 17543