Mill Creek Furnace, Cambria County, Pennsylvania

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Mill Creek - A cold blast charcoal furnace built in 1845 along Mill Creek in Upper Yoder Township by John Bell and Company. In 1856 it was rebuilt and converted to steam and probably hot blast(s&t). In 1876 it was a member of the Cambria Iron Company facilities(whe). A pile of stones remain. (P)(V)(rp 2004).
The site is 5 miles west from Johnstown on PA271. When PA271 crosses a creek (Mill Creek), turn left on a narrow blacktop road Silver Birch Road. 40º 18.509'N - 78º 59.134'W. This is a private road and you should seek permission before entering. Go down this road to where it forks and there is an old gate on the left fork and a newer gate on the road straight ahead. Park here. Look over the edge of the hill and you will see the furnace ruins below. It is only a 10 to 12 foot mound of stone and rubble, but parts of the stone lined race and retaining walls remain.
Approximate Coordinates 40º 18.45'N - 78º 58.93'W. (rp,ph 2004)

Mill Creek Furnace - August 2004
Mill Creek Furnace - August 2004

Retaining wall Mill Creek Furnace - August 2004
Mill Creek Furnace Special Sources:
A Guide to the Old Stone Blast Furnaces of Western Pennsylvania, Myron B. Sharp and William H. Thomas (s&t)
Pat & Michael Hom. San Diego, California
Copyright © Richard Parks, Last update Februart 11, 2010