Construction on Big Gem Furnace was completed in 1882. Many referred to Shenandoah as “The Pittsburg of the Valley.” The Big Gem Furnace discontinued operation in 1907. Gradually parts were sold and moved away, and finally eleven years later it was completely dismantled. The site sit idle until the 1950-1960 when the back portions was used as a landfill. Allegheny Ore and Iron Company was purchased by Lukens Iron and Steel and they gave the land to the Town of Shenandoah in 1995. Below is articles obtained from the EPA’s website where they describe in detail how Big Gem Park came to be.
Click here for a pdf version of the below EPA article:
www.shenandoahnewz.com/images/stories/6thnewimages/Biggemhistory.pdf
