EAGLE IRON WORKS AND CURTIN VILLAGE

Learn More About EAGLE IRON WORKS AND CURTIN VILLAGE

Discover the rich history of Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, a unique site that celebrates the legacy of Roland Curtin, an Irish immigrant whose vision and determination shaped this thriving iron-making village in the mid-1800s. Operated for an impressive 112 years, Eagle Iron Works was the last surviving charcoal-fueled iron furnace in Pennsylvania, far outlasting the 15-year average lifespan of its contemporaries.

Step back in time and experience the daily life of a 19th-century iron-making village. Located near Bald Eagle State Park, this beautifully preserved site offers a variety of ways to explore its rich history:

-Self-Guided Tours: Stroll the grounds from dawn to dusk at your own pace.
-Guided Tours: Learn from knowledgeable guides dressed in period attire, offering in-depth stories and insights.

Highlights of the Guided Tour:

-Curtin Family Mansion: A stunning Federal-style home (1830-1831) furnished with period pieces.
-Blast Furnace & Iron-Making Complex: Discover the processes behind charcoal-fueled iron production and why the local geology was key to its success.
-Workers’ Village: Explore life in a company town, where the Curtin family and their workers built a thriving community.
-Civil War Connections: See the personal carriage of Pennsylvania's Civil War Governor, Andrew Gregg Curtin, and hear about the Curtin family's ties to Gettysburg and the war effort.
-Transportation Impact: Learn how the arrival of the canal and railroad transformed the community and business operations.

Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and operated by the Roland Curtin Foundation, welcomes visitors year-round. Entry to the grounds and guided tours are by donation.