Existing comment:
Pig Iron Production: Casting the pigs
Molten iron flowed from the furnace's tap hole into channels compressed in sand in this floor. The cast iron forms became known as "pigs" since their outline resembled a sow nursing a little of piglets. Once cools, pig iron was sold to forges and foundries for further processing.
During the furnace's last 40 years of operation, ending in 1883, Hopewell mainly produced rough iron bars. Prior to this period, Hopewell profited from the sale of finished products -- stove plates, hollowware, weights, and other molten items. |