In the 1770s and 1780s, prominent Philadelphians bought large quantities of land in Centre County. In the spring of 1792, Centre Furnace, located on this site, went into blast and became the first major operation in what was then Northumberland and Mifflin Counties. When Centre County was formed in 1800, it was named for Centre Furnace.

More information on the Centre Furnace and Centre Furnace Mansion is available in The Centre Furnace Story: A Return to our Roots. A link to purchase is below. You can also request a copy through the Centre County Library-PA Room or Schlow Library.