Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
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Source: October 1989 Volume 27 Number 4, Pages 139–142

Nineteenth Century Iron Mines

Hob Borgson

Page 139

That there is limestone in abundance in the Great Valley of Tredyffrin is well known. The quarries near Howellville were worked commercially to produce lime for agricultural and medical uses and crushed stone for use in making roads for many years, while the quarries at Cedar Hollow are still in production.

Less well known is the fact that at several times during the latter half of the nineteenth century iron ore was also commercially mined in both Tredyffrin and Easttown townships.

Iron ore was discovered in Tredyffrin at least as early as 1853 , not long after the opening of the Chester Valley Railroad. Here is an item from the West Chester American Republican for June 27 of that year.

Tredyffrin, June 17th, 1854

Mr. Editor, -- If you should think the following inklings worthy of a place in the Republican, you may print them; not from any benefit "all the world and the rest of mankind" may derive from them, but merely to please the fancy of the writer by seeing his productions in print, or else for the purpose of informing the readers of your valuable paper of the "Local Items" relating to this part of our prosperous and interesting county.

I venture to say that there is not a township in the county so freighted with importance to its inhabitants at present as this; between the excitement incident to the approaching harvest; the general search for Iron Ore, and the Spirit Rappings, there is scarce a breathing time from excitement left.

Page 140

The search for Iron Ore which is very general along the line of the Chester Valley Railroad is extensively pursued in this neighborhood, with every prospect of success, as large quantities have already been developed, and it may in a few more years, become a source of considerable profit. It is now scarcely a year since the digging for Ore commenced in this neighborhood, up to this time perhaps several thousand tons have been taken out, although the mining operations have not been very extensively carried on, and all the Ore has been taken from near the surface of the ground, and much of the time has been spent in sinking shafts and searching for new beds of Ore; though judging from the past success in the mining operations, we may anticipate from the future prosecution a source of profit to the property holders, which will far surpass that derived from farming. ... [AR 6-27-1854]

In late 1873 and early 1874, the discovery of iron deposits in Tredyffrin was again reported. These two items appeared in the new West Chester Daily Local News that had started publication in 1872.

-- Tarter & Johnson, of Tredyffrin, have discovered a fine deposit of iron ore which they are engaged in developing. [L 9-15-1873]

Iron Ore Discovered. -- Mr. Peter Hartman has discovered ore on his farm in Tredyffrin Twp., a vein of iron ore, which promises to be of considerable wealth. We understand that parties will at an early date commence developing this mine on a large scale.[L 5-8-1874]

An iron ore deposit is also shown on the map of Tredyffrin Township in the Atlas of Chester County published in 1873 by A. R. Witmer, of Safe Harbor in Lancaster County. It was located north of the then Swedesford Road [now Anthony Wayne Drive] about half a mile west of the New Centreville post office.

Items in the Local also indicate that an iron deposit "at Centreville" was being worked by William Johnson in 1880.

Taking Out Ore. -- Mr. William Johnson, Tredyffrin Township, has opened an iron ore mine in that township, from which he is taking out a considerable amount of ore and expects to find it in larger quantities. [L 2-17-1880]

Iron Ore in Centreville. -- Some twelve workmen are engaged at the iron ore mines at Centreville, and are daily taking out forty tons of good material. The work is being done by Wm. Johnson, proprietor of the Howellville Hotel, who has leased the mines from a gentleman by the name of Heichter, who engaged in other business in Philadelphia. The ore was found within two feet of the surface, and therefore shafts are of no consequence now. The material is said to be in abundance and large shipments are made from Centreville station to Norristown daily. Mr. Johnson has a man in his employ who understands the working of the mine, and great progress is being made with the work of digging.[L 3-6-1880]

Page 141

Portion of map of Tredyffrin Township in Witmer's 1873 Atlas

In the meantime, iron deposits had also been found in Easttown Township, on the farm of William Knight, near Eagle [Strafford]. The discovery was noted in the Local early in 1873.

Iron Ore. -- A large body of iron ore has been discovered on the farm of William Knight, near the Eagle on the Pennsylvania Railroad. This discovery will add very materially to the value of Mr. K's farm. [L 1-9-1873]

Iron Ore. -- Iron ore has been discovered on the farm of Mr. William Knight in large quantities, and he has commenced hauling it to the iron works. [L 5-23-1873]

Page 142

Later reports indicate that this deposit, too, was worked extensively that summer.

Iron Ore in Easttown. -- A vein of iron ore has been opened on the farm of Mr. William Knight, in Easttown, Chester county. The works have been in operation only a short time, but, under the efficient management of the Superintendent, Mr. H. McCann, they have succeeded in getting out about five hundred tons of ore. The ore is of good quality, and Mr. McCann, who is an old and experienced operator, informs us that there is every indication that the vein is an extensive one. [L 8-30-1873]

Iron Ore -- The vein of iron ore which was opened some time ago on Mr. William Knight's farm in Easttown Township, this county, promises to yield a good return. Mr. McCann, an experienced miner, under whose management the operations are carried on, regards the vein as likely to prove very extensive and profitable. About five hundred tons of ore of good quality have already been taken out. [L 9-2-1873]

Mining of the deposit was apparently suspended shortly after that, but in an item in the Local in 1879 it was indicated that operations were resumed in that year to take advantage of an increased demand for iron ore.

Will Operate his Ore Mines -- Mr. William Knight is preparing to open out again his ore beds at Springbrook, near the Eagle, in Easttown Township. These mines have been standing idle for some time past, but are being put into operation again owing to a demand for the ore. [L 4-22-1879]

The Mesabi Range these deposits were not, but for a short time iron ore as well as limestone was mined in the Great Valley and Tredyffrin and Easttown townships.