Mt. Hope Furnace

Mt. Hope Furnace, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
aka Hopewell Furnace

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Mt. Hope (aka Hopewell) - is on Roaring Run in Donegal Township. It was built in 1810 by Trevor and McClurg. As early as 1835 the furnace was said to have used coke made from local coal either to replace or to augment the use of charcoal(s&t). All that now remains of this furnace is a small pile of stones and rubble about 10 feet high, a large slag pile nearby, and a visible millrace. (P)(V)(rp 1978-2005).
To reach Mt. Hope follow PA31 to Jones Mills. Take PA381 south about one mile to Champion, at the Fayette County line. Turn (left) east on SR1058 County Line Road (Pennzoil Station and Star Market). Go across the bridge for about 650 feet to T301, Roaring Run Road, to the left. You will see signs to the Roaring Run Resort. Go (left) north then east one mile on Roaring Run Road. It then veers right and crosses a small bridge to the Roaring Run Resort on the left. Park before the guard house at the resort. Seek permission to look for the furnace remains. Walk to the right of the guard house and in toward the resort a few yards. Walk into the woods, across a flat area toward the creek. Near the creek you will notice a low trench the remains of the old mill race. Walk to the left along this race and you will come upon a small pile of stones and rubble to your left toward the hill side. This is all that remains of Mt. Hope furnace. The creek and surrounding area contain much slag.
GPS coordinates 40º 04.079'N - 79º 20.679'W

Mt. Hope Furnace - October 1978	Mt. Hope Furnace - October 1978
Mt. Hope Furnace - October 2005	. Mill Race at Mt. Hope Furnace - October 2005

Mt. Hope Furnace Special Sources:
A Guide to the Old Stone Blast Furnaces of Western Pennsylvania, Myron B. Sharp and William H. Thomas (s&t)
Clyde Geary. Roaring Run Road, Champion PA