Franklin County, PA
Built: 1837
Coordinates: 39.90661, -77.47773
Caledonia Furnace is more notable for its owner and the circumstances of its destruction than its success. The famous abolitionist and U.S Congressman from Pennsylvania, Thaddeus Stevens, in partnership with iron manufacturer James D. Paxton built Caledonia Furnace in 1837 and named it after his Stevens’ home county in Vermont. For most of its life, Caledonia Furnace proved to be an unprofitable business venture and financial drain; however, it is reported that Stevens would not give up the business because of his concern for the men it employed.
Caledonia finally became profitable during the Civil War due to the increased demand for materiel. The Caledonia iron works complex with its furnace and its associated rolling mill, forge, blacksmith shop, sawmill, warehouses, general store, stables, and employee housing was an “iron plantation” village, home to over 200 workers and their families.
On June 26, 1863 the Confederate Army came upon Caledonia Furnace on their way to York early in the Gettysburg campaign. Against General Robert E. Lee’s orders, General Jubal Early thoroughly looted the iron complex and village and burned it to the ground in revenge for Stevens’ staunch abolitionist efforts and “most vindictive measures of confiscation and devastation” against the South. Caledonia furnace was never rebuilt. A replica of the furnace and blacksmith shop stand in its place today.
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