Rebecca Pennock Lukens, of the Lukens Steel Corporation, has been posthumously honored as Outstanding Woman in American History by the Daughters of the American Revolution, writes Steven Hoffman for the Chester County Press. 

The National DAR Recognition was presented to Scott Huston, president of the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum and Rebecca Lukens’ direct descendant, by the Chester County Chapter of DAR. 

Rebecca Lukens was selected for the honor based on her numerous accomplishments and contributions to the Chester County community as well as on a national and international level. 

Lukens was a Quaker who was taught mill operations by her father, Isaac Pennock. In 1813, she married Charles Lukens, who eventually ran the family-owned business. After his death, Lukens took over as the manager of the company. 

Lukens was crowned as “America’s First Female CEO of an Industrial Company” by Fortune Magazine in 1994. The magazine also inducted her into the American Business Hall of Fame. She was declared “America’s First Woman Industrialist” by the Pennsylvania State Legislature and City of Coatesville. Additionally, she had a World War II Liberty Ship named in her honor. 

Read more about Rebecca Lukens in the Chester County Press.