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.

One of Hopkins's enterprises later in life was as a manufacturer, and he became a partner with brothers Moses, Nicholas, Joseph, and John Brown in establishing the Hope Furnace. This enterprise was concerned with iron works which made pig iron and cannons for use during the Revolutionary War. Hopkins's son Rufus managed the business for four decades. 

Image: New York Public Library

Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2018