Caledonia Iron Furnace by CivilWarTrails

The park is named for Thaddeus Stevens’ charcoal iron furnace, named Caledonia, which began operation in 1837. The scenic watercourse along PA 233 was once the millrace that operated the furnace waterwheel.

The Honorable Thaddeus Stevens was born in Caledonia County, Vermont. Thaddeus Stevens became a famous abolitionist, statesman and father of the public school system in Pennsylvania.

On June 26, 1863, Confederates under the command of General Jubal A. Early destroyed the iron furnace. The furnace was destroyed not just to slow the industrial power of the northern states, but also because of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens’ views opposing slavery.

The iron furnace property changed hands numerous times after Stevens’ death. In 1902, the land was sold to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1927, the Pennsylvania Alpine Club reproduced part of the iron furnace as a monument.

Panorama by Alan Chaffee Photography