Frankstown Furnace, Blair County, Pennsylvania

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Frankstown - was built in 1836 on a run off the Juniata River in Frankstown, Frankstown Township. The furnace was built for charcoal but used coke in later years(s&t). In 1876 it was part of the Cambria Iron Company complex(whe). The furnace stood on the present location of a school bus garage. The charging bench is in back of the gararge(s&t). (P)(V)(rp-2004)
Drive east from Hollidaysburg on US22 to its junction with SR1009 in Frankstown. There is a pyramid war memorial at the northwest corner of the intersection and a large stone house on a hill opposite the northeast corner. This house is the ironmaster's house.
go left on SR1009 for about 200 yards. The furnace was on the left. The site is occupied by an old school bus garage. The charging bench was back of the garage and a few stones remain there. Slag piles are across the road. GPS coordinates 40º 26.797'N - 78º 21.240'.(rp-2004)

Frankstown Furnce retaining wall stonespushed back against hillside
behind school bus garage - October 2004

Long range view of iron masters house near Frankstown Furnace site - October 2004
Frankstown Furnace Special Sources:
A Guide to the Old Stone Blast Furnaces of Western Pennsylvania, Myron B. Sharp and William H. Thomas (s&t)
Copyright © Richard Parks, Last updated Fenruary 19, 2010