anthracite fuel in its puddling furnaces.11 Availability of bituminous coal and coke from western Pennsylvania at Lancaster, Columbia and Marietta suggests the possibility of their use in puddling furnaces in Lancaster County after the Pennsylvania Railroad was completed across the state in 1854. 12 In fact

. Transportation was important, for coal does not occur in Lancaster County. Anthracite coal was brought to Lancaster County by canal boat, as was steam coal from southwestern Pennsylvania. The newer furnaces had to be located on or near canals, and along railroads for delivery of pig and wrought iron to the