This cache is part of the 25 cache Pennsylvania State Parks America250PA GeoTrail. Have fun exploring and discovering Pennsylvania's history!
The Mary Ann furnace first went into blast in 1762, making it the oldest, cold-blast iron furnace west of the Susquehanna River. The furnace was founded by George Ross, signer of the declaration of independence and brother-in-law to Betsy Ross, George Stevenson and William Thompson, Brigadier-General with the continental army. The furnace produced several varieties of stoves, kettles, and pots as well as cannonballs and grapeshot for the army. The furnace was out of blast by the late 1790’s. To date, no remains have been found, and the exact location is unknown. The building at the is site is the Ironmasters house from the furnace works. We do know the furnace sat somewhere within ½ mile of the house. The house went on to be part of a mill works that included 3 gristmills and a sawmill. Today the house is a rentable facility at the park.
For more information about this state park and its amenities, please visit the website: Codorus State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
