History

Founded in 1852, Pencoyd Iron Works was one of the largest producers of structural iron and steel in the world with around 1,500 employees.

The factory complex stretched for over a mile along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Pencoyd manufactured cutting-edge materials and components for bridges, buildings, ships, and railroads across continents.

Their largest projects include the Ellis Island Immigration Station, Chicago Loop Elevated Railway, and the PA State Capitol Building.

In 1902, J.P. Morgan acquired Pencoyd Iron Works to merge with the U.S. Steel Corporation.

In the 1940s, Pencoyd mobilized production for WWII and closed soon after, leaving the iconic steel legacy on our site today.

Gantry for lifting heavy steel

Rollers for flattening steel

Workers standing with a riveting machine

Massive warehouse with molten steel vat

Ellis Island Immigration Station, 1898

PA State Capitol Building Dome, 1906

Chicago Loop Elevated Railway, 1897

West End Trust Building, Philadelphia, 1898

New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge, 1897

Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, 1892

Manhattan Life Insurance Building, NY, 1893

Pennsylvania Railroad Delaware River Bridge, 1895

Vivian Cherry, Tearing Down of 3rd Avenue EL, 1955, featuring Pencoyd Steel