Three giants of modern architecture in Philadelphia–George Howe, Louis I. Kahn, and Oskar Stonorov–collaborated on this Federal housing project built for African American defense workers and their families just outside Coatesville during World War II. A former race track was converted into a landscaped cul-de-sac encircling a common green space, lined with 100 units of one- and two-story International Style homes.

The last generation of Lukens Steel workers was invited to tell their stories and have their portraits taken. In the background are the oldest sections of the mill, which are now in disuse, filled with dusty steel shavings and now quiet motors from a bygone time of steel making.

Take a tour of Iron & Steel Sites in Chester and Montgomery counties.

During the many decades that have passed since the establishment of the Brandywine Iron Works & Nail Factory numerous historical milestones of the American iron and steel industry have been reached and recorded.

This iron and steel Hall of Fame reveals a sampling of those inventors, engineers, investors, and owners. These men and women had some of the greatest influence on the iron and steel industry over the last few centuries. 

Samuel Nutt is the 2022 Hall of Fame inductee. 

World War I (1914-1919) forever changed the world. As a total war, and a conflict that witnessed the use of never-before seen technology, the Great War required full mobilization from the participating nations.

Our journey from an 1810 iron works to a modern steel mill is an important and fascinating story. The process of restoring the buildings and grounds of the Lukens National Historic District helps us tell that story. Take a look at our progress…