April 18: Marietta Industry History Hike with David Haneman

unchartedadam

4 weeks ago

What You’ll Discover

On this 1.5- to 2-hour, 1.5-mile walk along the scenic Northwest River Trail, you’ll explore:

The Lumber Industry

Why Marietta became a lumber hub.
Sites of the old sawmill on Chickies Creek.
Images of the grand homes built by Marietta’s lumber barons.

The Iron Industry

Step inside the Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Office, part of the last of eight “Hot-Blast” anthracite coal iron furnaces in the region.
Learn what “pig iron” really is.
Discover how Sanborn Insurance Maps contributed to modeling the Musselman/Vesta Furnace Complex diorama.
View artifacts unearthed by Millersville University’s summer archaeology digs at the Henry Clay Furnace.
Visit the sites of six furnaces that once blazed along the Susquehanna River.
Understand why this location was so crucial for canal and rail expansion.
Glimpse images of the Iron Masters’ stately homes.
Discover why Marietta earned the name “Pittsburgh of the East.”

Event Details

Distance: About 1.5 miles.
Duration: 90 minutes–2 hours (depending on Q&A).
Terrain: Easy walking on the Northwest River Trail with an optional extension past additional furnace sites.
Weather: Rain or shine. (Severe weather cancellations will be made on-site.)
Parking: Limited free parking at the Musselman/Vesta Furnace (26 Furnace Road, Marietta, PA 17574). Additional free parking at the Marietta Iron Furnace Park Northwest River Trail lot (29 Furnace Road, Marietta, PA 17547).
Capacity: Limited to 15 participants.
Cost: $20 per person.

Reserve Your Spot

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Marietta’s industrial past through the eyes of one of its most passionate stewards. Space is limited—and tickets will go fast!