Berks County, PA
Built: 1760
Coordinates:
40.395559, -75.750010
40.397882, -75.746786
40.411676, -75.791635 (marker)
A marker stands at the site of the Oley Furnace on Furnace Creek. Skippack iron maser Diedrich Welker Built Oley Furnace, originally known as Shearwell Furnace, in 1760. Oley Furnace is notable for supplying shot for the American Revolution. Oley Furnace eventually passed to notable Oley Resident Daniel Udree who achieved the rank of Major General in the Pennsylvania State Militia and served as congressman in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, Pennsylvania State Senate, and United States House of Representatives. His grist mill is located half a mile southeast of the furnace marker and is now part of a private residence. The furnace was last operated by Clymer Iron Company.
Remains of two other furnaces located about three miles southeast of the Oley Furnace marker are shown below. They are situated along the road adjacent to private residences. The history of these structure and association with Oley Furnace, if any, is unknown.
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