Mini-Lecture: The Civil War Production of Cornwall Iron Furnace by Jack McClain
Schedule
Sun, 15 Mar, 2026 at 01:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
94 Rexmont Road, Cornwall, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17016 | Rexmont, PA
Advertisement
Mini - Lecture Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 1:30-2:00 p.m. at Cornwall Furnace
No reservations needed for this FREE mini-lecture
When the Civil War began in April 1861, the North relied heavily on its strong iron and steel industries to supply the Union war effort. Factories and furnaces across the region worked at full capacity to produce the materials needed to fight the Confederacy. Cornwall Iron Furnace was part of that effort and serves as a powerful example of how local industry supported the nation during wartime.
This presentation will explore how Cornwall Furnace operated during the Civil War, what it produced, and how its earlier history prepared it to meet the demands of war. The furnace was an important industrial resource, and its charcoal-fired iron became especially valuable for certain critical munitions used by the Union Army and Navy.
Our presenter, Jack McClain, is a Historic Tour Guide at the Cornwall Iron Furnace Museum and a Board Member of the Friends of Old Annville Historical Society. His passion for history began in middle school and has shaped both his personal and academic life. In 2024, he graduated summa cum laude from
Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
Outside the classroom and museum, Jack has been involved in living history for over ten years as a Civil War reenactor. He also shares his enthusiasm for the past as an independent historical content creator on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.
Join us at Cornwall Iron Furnace on Sunday afternoons this March for bite-sized history lessons on a variety of engaging topics. These mini lectures are condensed versions of our popular monthly educational programs and are presented in the Museum Visitor Center by knowledgeable local historians.
This short-and-sweet format offers an accessible introduction to the fascinating influence of our industrial heritage.
Free to attend! While you’re here, consider adding a guided furnace tour to enhance your visit!
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
94 Rexmont Road, Cornwall, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17016, 94 Rexmont Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042-9760, United States, RexmontEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.