Cornwall, a borough in Lebanon County, is situated on 9.9 square miles, making it the largest borough (geographically) in the continental United States. The population of Cornwall is only approximately 4,000 people, less than 400 residents per square mile.
Cornwall owes its being to Peter Grubb, a 19 year old immigrant who in 1737 came prospecting and discovered three hills of magnetic iron ore, purchased a total of 442.5 acres of land and established what was to become one of the world-renowned and most productive iron ore mining operations of all time. The Cornwall Iron Ore Mines closed in 1973 after 234 years of continuous production.
Cornwall’s heritage is that of a industrial complex that flourished for 236 years, generated by the world famous Open Pit Iron Ore Mine, and underground mine at Burd Coleman and another at Rexmont. Cornwall produced cannon and munitions and iron products for all of the wars in which our Country was involved, from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam. It supplied the iron for rails and spikes necessary for the westward expansion of the railroads, and for our country’s bridges and buildings. Cornwall played a vital role in the overall development and protection of our country.
Cornwall is now a quiet bedroom community which, through enacted zoning ordinance, has limited industry within its borders.
Public school students attend Cornwall Lebanon School District which consists of 4 elementary schools, one middle and one high school.
Check out this pictorial tour or the historic site of the Cornwall Furnace: