PA Ruins Kathleen Butler January 9, 2025 0 Comments

Colonial Springs Bottling Plant Ruins – Valley Forge State Park

Colonial Springs Water Bottling Plant Ruins can be seen in Valley Forge State Park near a hiking trail.

General Benjamin Franklin Fisher purchased the property in 1895 from Mary J. Bean. He leased out the use of water, 5,000 gallons per month in 1900.
Colonial Springs Bottling Company sold the spring waters to the Philadelphia region. The spring water was said to be very pure due to the natural purifier it is tapped into.
In 1915, General Fisher passed away and his heirs sold the land to Charles Hires, founder of Hires Root Beer. But, it appears he didn’t make root beer at the springs, Hires sold spring water under the name “Purock”.
In the 1930s, the property was then purchased by Valley Forge State Park. The bottling of water ceased but the water still flows.

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer May 18, 1905

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer January 30, 1930

Kathleen Butler

Hi there! I’m an avid hiker with a deep love for discovering forgotten ruins hidden in the forests. There’s something truly mesmerizing about nature reclaiming what was once human-made—it’s a powerful reminder of time’s passage and the stories we risk losing. As history quietly fades, I’ve made it my mission to explore, learn, and document these remnants before they’re lost forever. I’ve authored two books: Abandoned on Public Lands in New Jersey and Abandoned Ruins of Eastern Pennsylvania: Remnants Lost in Time. I’ve also contributed to Jersey’s Best Magazine, writing for the Uncovering NJ column. I plan on getting to more US history than just the Northeast. Stay tuned!