A Vestige Of Pittsburgh’s The Steel Industry - Carrie Blast Furnaces

Pittsburgh’s steel industry, once the heartbeat of American industrial power, lives on in places like the Carrie Blast Furnaces—towering remnants of a bygone era. Standing 92’ tall, Furnaces #6 and #7 are rare examples of pre-WWII iron-making technology. They were named, as local lore tells it, after Carrie Clark, daughter of William Clark—a prominent figure in the city’s iron industry—who lit the inaugural fires.

Pittsburgh rose to steelmaking prominence thanks to its rich reserves of coal and iron ore, and its strategic position at the junction of major rivers. For decades, the city thundered with industry. At Carrie, you can almost hear the roar of the furnaces, feel the tremble of the earth, and see the silhouettes of men against the glow of molten metal. It was a world of danger and grit, where day and night blurred in the smoke and steam.

Today, the site is preserved as part of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, a designation recognizing its national historical significance. The guided tour doesn’t just showcase machinery—it shares the voices of the workers, their struggles and triumphs, offering a deeply human look into Pittsburgh’s industrial soul.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

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The towering Carrie Furnaces #6 and #7 are examples of pre-World War II iron-making technology.

Since the collapse of the region’s big steel industry, these are the only non-operative blast furnaces in the region that remain.

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Originally constructed in 1907 as part of the Homestead Steel Works, which was owned by Andrew Carnegie and later U.S. Steel.

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The tour takes you through catwalks, stairs, and platforms taking you into the heart of the furnace system.

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The textures of rust, peeling paint, and wild vegetation growing through cracks offer a hauntingly beautiful scene.

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The site includes remnants of the raw materials handling systems like ore bins and hoists.

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These furnaces were used to smelt iron ore into pig iron, a key raw material for steelmaking.

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Giant gears, valves, and hoppers are frozen in time.

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You can just imagine the roar of the industrial lungs that kept the fire alive, blowing out clouds of black smoke making it look like night at 2:00 in the afternoon.

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Only Furnaces #6 and #7 survive today, they were preserved after the mill shut down in the 1980s, while the rest of the plant was demolished.

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A visit here is an immersive journey into America’s industrial past, blending history, art, and gritty beauty in a one-of-a-kind setting.

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The surrounding area is relatively quiet now, but you can almost hear the echoes of molten metal, steam, and the labor of thousands who once worked here.

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Places like Carrie weren’t just factories—they were cathedrals of industry, alive with sound, heat, and human grit.

The massive industrial art deer sculpture was crafted by material found on site by the Industrial Arts Coop in 1997-1998.

In the widow of the Bost Building which was built in 1892 as a hotel for the growing worker’s ward of Homestead. It contains exhibits about the Battle of Homestead and serves as the visitors center for the Rivers of Steel Heritage Center. When I went to visit the building was not open even though the hours posted said it would be.

What you should know:

• The site is an active construction site undergoing restoration efforts and areas may be restricted at times.

• The tour is outdoors so dress for the day’s weather and boots or sneakers are recommended. Hard hats will be supplied.

• Port-a-potties and wash stations are available.

• Admission can be purchased on-line.

• You will be asked to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed.

• The tour lasts approximately two hours.

• Check website available tour times.

• Free parking is available.

Location: 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

For more information: Carrie Blast Furnaces

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