Mahoning Furnace, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
aka Colwell Furnace

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Mahoning (aka Colwell) - In Mahoning Township along Mahoning Creek. Built in 1845 by John A. Colwell of Kittanning, this furnace was successful for more than thirty years. It started as a steam powered cold blast charcoal furnace but was remodeled in 1860 for hot blast and coke. The stack was enlarged and an iron jacket lined with firebrick replaced the upper part. In September 1878 the furnace was taken out of blast because of the depression of that year. It was never reactivated(s&t). We have photographed this site.(P)(V)(rp-1978-2004)
Proceed north on PA28 to the village of Mahoning Furnace, on the north bank of Mahoning Creek (incorrectly identified as Red Bank Creek by Sharp and Thomas). At the south end of the bridge over the creek turn east and park at a posted and gated lane. 40º 56.715'N - 79º 21.725'W. Contact Cromer (Buck) Shumaker, owner, at 814-275-2832 to seek permission to enter the property. About 100 yards down this lane is a newer industrial or storage building. A well preserved stone charging bench is to the left just behind the building at the edge of the hill, and the furnace remains are below the hillside toward the creek. Several rows of stone remain with one opening clearly visible. There is no evidence of the iron jacket which was installed on the upper part of the stack in the 1860 remodeling. A depression in the ground probably marks the location of the steam house. Mounds of slag are present.
GPS coordinates 40º 56.865'N - 79º 21.638'W. (rp-2004)

Retaining Wall for Charging Bench
Mahoning Furnace
Mahoning Furnace -2004

Mahoning Furnace - 2004
. Cromer (Buck) Shumaker &
RobinJeanne Parks at Mahoning
Mahonimg Furnace Special Sources:
A Guide to the Old Stone Blast Furnaces of Western Pennsylvania, Myron B. Sharp and William H. Thomas (s&t)
Cromer (Buck) Shumaker, owner
Pat Weaver, New Bethlehem, PA
Copyright © Richard Parks, Last updated February 1, 2010