World Trade Center Steel filmed at Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group

Five hundred tons of Lukens steel is on its way to Coatesville after more than three decades used to support the World Trade Center.

In 1969, the last trainload carrying the structural shapes, known as "trees," pulled out of Lukens Steel headquarters in Coatesville destined for New York City to become part of the two tallest buildings in the world.

Until the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the steel framed the first nine floors of the North and South Towers.

The steel, which now represents relics of a terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 3,000 people, will become the centerpiece of the proposed The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum to be built in the Lukens Historic District on South First Avenue in Coatesville.

"It's our goal to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as the steelworkers who created the steel for these monumental buildings during the 1960s," said Scott Huston, a descendent of the Lukens family and president of the Graystone Society, a local historic preservation group.

The 28-truck convoy, carrying 10 50-ton steel trees as well as supports and steel window frames, is estimated to arrive in Coatesville in the early afternoon.

The World Trade Center's twisted steel supports, among the few remaining pieces of the 110-story skyscrapers still standing in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks, became an iconic image of defiance and strength for a mourning nation.

"We feel that it is only fitting that these trees become the keystone of The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum, especially as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 draws near," Huston said.

Though the event will be somber in tone, the arrival of the World Trade Center artifacts is also seen as an element of the rebirth of the city of 11,000.

The Graystone Society is forming a committee to oversee the design for a memorial that will incorporate the structures. The group is named for the Graystone Mansion, part of The Lukens National Historic District that also includes the 35,000-square foot former industrial building that will be museum's home.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• World
• Trade
• Center
• Steel
• coatesville

[beasst94]

because people didnt know what was going on- they're ignorant and no one cares about anything anymore

[Moketta]

I found it VERY DISRESPECTFUL for people to continue driving, while these were being brought in. Yes it was many trucks......but it was also MANY LIVES that were lost that day. What is a few minutes of your precious time to give RESPECT??!!!! How sad....

[truckerstrike08]

Thank you to the truck drivers!

[Warlord1026]

Thank you so very much for posting this. As I am one of the drivers (1:15) I cannot take video while trying to navigate such a load through traffic. If you think this was moving to watch, imagine getting to drive this. It was one of the biggest honors of my life. I will remember this for the rest of my life. 2 minutes ago

[shortyfly22]

like i just saw this like half hour ago but i am in the town of were it is coming i live not even a mile of were the steal factory is tirbute 2 twin towers!