Location: Parkesburg, Chester County
Dates of Operation: 1872 to 1926
Owners: Horace Beale and William H. Gibbons; Horace A. Beale & Company; Parkesburg Iron Company
Historical Significance: Parkesburg Iron Company made charcoal iron tubes, which were known for high quality. In 1912, the site had the capacity of one million tubes a year. Horace Beale was a very paternalistic owner: he established sports leagues for his employees, ensured the safety of his employees and site with a strong police force, and more. Parkesburg Iron Company’s baseball team had great talent, and often played major league teams, including Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cincinnati. The growth of Parkesburg, a borough in Chester County, can be linked to the growth of its iron company.
