Centre Furnace Mansion
historical marker
The Centre Furnace Mansion is located in State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania. This historical site served as the home for a series of ironmasters, overseeing the nearby Centre Furnace, which began operations in 1791. Moses Thompson and his family resided here from 1842 to 1891. In 1855, the mansion became the setting for a pivotal decision: the establishment of The Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. Owners James Irvin and Moses Thompson donated 200 acres of land for this new institution, which ultimately became Penn State University. The mansion has been restored to reflect its appearance during the mid-to-late 1800s. A historical marker recognizing the mansion as the 'Birthplace of Penn State' was unveiled on January 11, 2024. Today, the Centre Furnace Mansion houses the Centre County Historical Society. This location marks the intersection of early industry and higher education in central Pennsylvania.