Historical Significance:

The Reeves family was one of the most influential in Chester County's iron industry for more than a century (1827-1944).  The Reeves' legacy began with David Reeves I.  In 1827, David and his brother, Benjamin, purchased interest in the Phoenix Works nail factory, the first in the nation.  The railroad came to Phoenixville in the 1840s and opened a new market for Phoenix.  

David and his partner built a new mill capable of rolling rails in 1846, and the site produced its first rails shortly thereafter.  Reeves built an anthracite furnace and introduced puddling, so the site could make pig iron on the premises.  

David became the first president of Cambria Iron Company at Johnstown in 1852.  The Cambria plant was considered one of the greatest early iron and steel works.  

In 1855, the Phoenix Works incorporated as Phoenix Iron Company, and David was chosen as president and Samuel vice president and treasurer.  Under their supervision, specifically because of Samuel's involvement, two important things happened at Phoenix. In the 1850s, John Griffen, superintendent and right-hand man, with Reeves' approval, designed and fabricated a wrought iron cannon.  The Griffen Gun played a decisive roll at Gettysburg, and helped the North win.  In 1862, Samuel invented the Phoenix Column, a structural piece for bridges throughout the world.  This product was so popular, the Phoenix Bridge Company was established and run by the Reeves.  Phoenix became known as a leader in structural shape rolling and fabrication.  

David died in 1871 and Samuel became president.  Samuel died in 1878.  Phoenix's leadership under the Reeve family continued until 1944.

Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2025