The rhythmic noises of the turning water wheel and the roar of the furnace blast never stopped at Hopewell Furnace (Pennsylvania) during its years of operation (1771-1883). As long as the furnace was in blast, the ironworkers' jobs were safe. In case of trouble, they could escape to the woods, fields, and creeks of rural Pennsylvania. Now a national historic site, Hopewell Furnace lies in a setting of forested hills and valleys along a French Creek in Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania. It provides a glimpse into the early days of the iron and steel industry that played a central role in the growth of the United States as an industrial nation. This lesson plan on Hopewell Furnace can be used in U.S. history, social studies, and geography courses in units on the growth of the U.S. economy during the early national period. The lesson plan is divided into eight sections: (1) "About This Lesson"; (2) "Getting Started: Inquiry Question"; (3) "Setting the Stage: Historical Context"; (4) "Locating the Site: Maps" (Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas; Southeastern Pennsylvania); (5) "Determining the Facts: Readings" (Works at Hopewell Furnace; Owner and Iron Master; Hopewell Furnace Community); (6) "Visual Evidence: Images" (19th Century Blast Furnace in Operation; 'Jumping the Pit,' 1936; Artist's View of Hopewell Furnace, 1950s; Ironmaster's House with Outbuildings; Tenant Houses; Typical Hopewell Furnace Products); (7) "Putting It All Together: Activities" (Working at Hopewell; Economic History in the Local Community); and (8) "Supplementary Resources." (BT)