The creation of the United States parallels the development of the American iron industry, exemplified by the fact that seven signers of the Declaration of Independence were ironmasters.  Although Britain attempted to stem the colonies’ iron production, by the Revolution, the colonies were one of the world’s largest iron producers.  The iron sites supplied products for the war for independence and the ironmasters were actively involved in politics.  The iron industry was central in the fight for American independence.

Hellam Forge was erected about 1765 by William Bennett, a part owner of Martic Furnace, on the south side of Codorus Creek near the junction of the Susquehanna River in Manheim Township, York County. It was built in the extreme northeast corner of Hellam Township immediately south of York and was originally known locally as the Hellam Forge or the Hellam Iron Works. Hellam initially received its iron from nearby Mary Ann Furnace. Bennett ran the works until 1771 when he went into receivership. The property was purchased from the sheriff by Charles Hamilton who sold the property to James Smith (c1720-1806), a prominent lawyer and later signer of the Declaration of Independence. Smith, who also went bankrupt, disposed of the works in 1778. 

Image: ushistory.org

Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2018