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The Phoenix Steel Company, which changed its names and owners several times, was established in 1783 by David Reeves and was responsible for the creation of many significant products, including the Griffen Gun. The mill produced about 1200 cannons (3″ rifles) during the Civil War.
Oct 8, 2013 · In 1862 Samuel J. Reeves (David Reeves' son and VP of the company) invented the Phoenix column, the first hollow wrought iron column to be patented; it became widely used in buildings and bridges throughout the country and was one of the company's best known products.
In the early 1820s, Phoenix Iron Works needed new capital. Brothers David and Benjamin Reeves and James and Joseph Whitaker added capital. In 1841, Reeves and Whitaker became the first firm in the area capable of extensive puddling operations after adding six puddling furnaces.
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Historic Reeves’ Park has been Phoenixville’s public square since 1872. The land, located between 3rd and 4th Avenues, and Starr and Main Streets, was the gift of David Reeves, President of the Phoenix Iron Company. The park has always played an important role in the life of the borough.
In 1855 it was incorporated as the Phoenix Iron Co., with David Reeves as president and his son Samuel J. Reeves (1818-1878) as vice president. David Reeves started the first structural shape mill in the United States in 1855 and began the fabrication and design for bridges.
Historic Reeves’ Park has been Phoenixville’s public square since 1872. The land, located between 3rd and 4th Avenues, and Starr and Main Streets, was the gift of David Reeves, President of the Phoenix Iron Company. The park has always played an important role in the life of the borough.
David Reeves was succeeded as president in 1923 by his son Samuel J. Reeves (1880-1944). After the younger Reeves' death in 1944, the plant changed hands several times and became engaged in types of steel manufacture other than the structural shapes for which its mills were originally designed.
