KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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A First in Steel
(Marker Number: 214)

County: Greenup
Location: Boyd Co. line, US 23

Description: World's first continuous steel sheet rolling mill put into operation here, 1923. Conceived by John B. Titus and built by Armco, process rated as one of the great inventions in human history. In 1953 hot-strip mill replaced first continuous mill.

(Subjects: Steel)

A Masterful Retreat
(Marker Number: 520)

County: Greenup
Location: Greenup, Courthouse lawn, US 23

Description: USA Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan with 8000 men reached here Oct. 3, 1862 on way to Camp Dennison, Ohio, after retreating over 200 miles from Cumberland Gap in sixteen days, harassed by CSA Morgan's Raiders. USA forces had held Gap but Confederate operations based in Barbourville, 24 miles north of Gap, had cut off Union supplies and made retreat necessary.

(Subjects: Camps | Civil War | Cumberland Gap | Morgan, George Washington | Morgan's Raiders)

Amanda Furnace
(Marker Number: 1142)

County: Greenup
Location: Approx. 1 mi. W. of Boyd Co. line, US 23

Description: A stone stack 35 ft. high, 10 ft. across inside, built in 1829 by James E. McDowell, John Culver, John H., Edwin P., Robert C. and Wm. L. Poage; later owned by the Paull family, buried on hillside above. In 196 days of 1838 made 100 tons of iron. Produced 200 tons in 1854, its last year of operation. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Argillite Furnace
(Marker Number: 975)

County: Greenup
Location: Argillite, 7 mi. S. of Greenup, KY 1

Description: First of 97 iron furnaces in the Hanging Rock Iron Region of Ky. and Ohio, one of earliest in Ky. Built by John and David Trimble and Richard Deering in 1818. Stone stack was 25 feet high. Air blast machinery was water-driven. Charcoal fueled. Daily capacity two tons of iron, cast as utensils or shipped by river in pigs. Last blast in 1837. See other side.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Bellefonte Furnace
(Marker Number: 1020)

County: Greenup
Location: Greenup-Boyd Co. line, KY 5

Description: The most successful of pioneer Kentucky charcoal furnaces in the Hanging Rock Iron Region. Built by Archibald Paull, George Poague and others in 1826. Its stone stack was 34 feet high with a maximum inner diameter of 101/2 ft. In 1874, a typical year, produced 3600 tons of iron. Operated until 1893, leaving an accumulated slag heap of 300,000 tons. See over.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Bellefonte Furnace
(Marker Number: 1149)

County: Greenup
Location: US 23, just W. Boyd Co. line

Description: The 96th blast furnace built in Hanging Rock Region since 1818. Considered most highly perfected in existence when erected, 1942, by Armco Steel Corp., with hearth 25 ft. across, producing 1000 tons of iron daily, later increased to 2600 tons, with 283/4 ft. hearth. Named for pioneer charcoal-fueled furnace a mile south. See over. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Bennett's Mill Bridge
(Marker Number: 1076)

County: Greenup
Location: 8 mi. S. of South Shore, KY 7

Description: One of Kentucky's longest wooden, one-span, covered bridges, length 195 feet. B. F. Bennett and his brother Pramley built the bridge in 1855 or 1856 to accommodate customers at their mill. It has withstood severe floods through the years. Original footings and frame are intact. The bridge was never painted and has weathered to its present rustic appearance.

(Subjects: Covered Bridges)

Buffalo Furnace
(Marker Number: 976)

County: Greenup
Location: Entrance to Greenbo Lake Park, KY 1

Description: A major producer of iron in the Hanging Rock Region 1851-75, an important Union Army supplier in the Civil War. Built by H. Hollister and Ross. Stone stack originally was 361/2 feet high, with a steam powered air blast. Employing about 150 men, it could produce 15 tons in 24 hours. Pig iron was shipped by steamboat on Ohio River. See the other side.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Camp Swigert
(Marker Number: 2247)

County: Greenup
Location: US 23, Wurtland

Description: Union Civil War training camp was organized Dec. 12, 1861. Made up of 20-25 acres. It became center of volunteer enlistees under command of Col. D. W. Lindsey. Recruits from surrounding counties, Frankfort & Louisville were assigned to form the 22nd Regt of Ky Volunteer Inf. Both black and white infantrymen stationed at Camp Swigert. Over

(Reverse) Engaged in skirmishes in eastern Ky & West Va, followed by Middle Creek, Ky and Cumberland Gap,Tn. They moved through Tennessee and Mississippi. The 22 Ky Volunteer Inf. Regt. consolidated at Baton Rouge, La in March 1864 into the 7 Ky Veteran Inf. Non-veterans were mustered out in Louisville on January 20, 1865. Over

(Subjects: Civil War | Union Army)

Caroline Furnace
(Marker Number: 1132)

County: Greenup
Location: 4 mi. W. of Raceland city limits, US 23 at Caroline Furnace Rd.

Description: Stood 11/2 mi. south. Built 1833 by Henry Blake & Co. Stone stack was 35 ft. high, with a maximum inner diameter of 10 ft.; burned charcoal. Air blast powered by steam. In 1838, produced 750 tons of iron, consuming 2062 tons of ore, 225,000 bushels of charcoal. Made 1200 tons of iron, 1857. Furnace operated until 1890. See over. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

County Named, 1803
(Marker Number: 784)

County: Greenup
Location: Greenup, Courthouse lawn, US 23

Description: For Christopher Greenup, governor of Ky., 1804-08. Born Va., 1750, officer in American Revolution. Began law practice in Ky., 1783. Clerk of Va. court for district of Ky., 1785-92. Member, conventions for Ky. statehood, 1784, '85, '88. Elected one of the first two Ky. members of U.S. Congress, 1793-97. Presidential elector, 1808. Died, 1818, buried in Frankfort Cemetery.

(Subjects: Frankfort | Revolutionary War)

E.K. Railway
(Marker Number: 1978)

County: Greenup
Location: KY 1 & 207, Argillite

Description: Development of this area's rich coal, iron, and timber resources began 1867 when Eastern Kentucky Railway laid track from Ohio River to Argillite. But after years of operating losses, the railroad went into receivership in 1919, and the work of dismantling north end of track began in 1928. Total trackage was thirty-six miles. Presented by E. K. Railway Historical Society and Greenup County Fiscal Court.

(Subjects: Coal | Iron Industry | Railroads)

E.K. Railway
(Marker Number: 1178)

County: Greenup
Location: Jct. US 23 & KY 1, Greenup

Description: A major factor in development of this area, the Eastern Ky. Railway opened from the Ohio River here to Argillite in 1867; finally reached Webbville, Lawrence Co., 1889. It hauled local timber, iron ore, and coal, but never fulfilled its owners' plans to connect southern coal fields with Great Lakes. Total trackage: 36 mi. Abandoned by 1933. Presented by Eastern Ky. Railway Historical Society and Greenup County Fiscal Court.

(Subjects: Coal | Iron Industry | Ohio River | Railroads)

E.K. Railway - Hunnewell
(Marker Number: 2163)

County: Greenup
Location: Ky. Hwy. 3306N, Hunnewell

Description: Development of Greenup’s iron resources in the mid-1800s relied heavily on the E. K. Railway and its extension near the Greenup furnace. The furnace and the new town that developed near it were renamed Hunnewell in honor of businessman Walter Hunnewell. The furnace closed in 1889, ending the brief Iron Age of Hunnewell.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Enterprise Furnace
(Marker Number: 1147)

County: Greenup
Location: US 23 at KY 1215

Description: Stood 5 miles south. Built, 1826, by Richard Deering, James McCoy and Jacob Clingman, on the site of a bloomery forge erected in 1824. Its air blast was operated by water power, and it burned charcoal fuel, producing as much as 3 tons of iron daily, mostly cast into utensils. Not in blast after 1833. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Globe Furnace
(Marker Number: 1156)

County: Greenup
Location: At Bennett's Mill Bridge, KY 7 at KY 1215

Description: Stood just across this stream, which provided power for its air blast machinery. It was built by George W. Darlington and others in 1830. In 1838 it produced 600 tons of iron from 1800 tons of ore, burning 165,000 bushels of charcoal. Ceased operating before 1855; its stones used in bridge abutments here. See the other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Grave of Lucy Virgin Downs, 1769-1847 ->1,000 feet west
(Marker Number: 574)

County: Greenup
Location: Oldtown, KY 1

Description: The first white child born of American parents, west of the Allegheny Mountains-Mrs. Lucy Virgin Downs-was a resident of Oldtown, Greenup County, from 1807 until her death in 1847. She was the daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy Virgin, born September 17, 1769, in what is now Fayette County, Pennsylvania, near Uniontown, which was then called Beesontown. In 1790, with her parents and brother, Brice, she came to Limestone, now Maysville, Kentucky. In 1792, she and her brother moved to Cincinnati. She was married there to John Downs September 20, 1800 under a marriage license issued by General Arthur St. Clair, as Governor of the Northwest Territory. In June, 1845, at a family gathering, she related that General George Washington visited her father and a neighbor in 1773, when he was surveying a tract in Pennsylvania that was afterwards called Washington Bottoms. Many of her descendants are still living in this part of Kentucky. This marker erected under the terms of the will of the late Jennie Scott Osenton, great-granddaughter of Lucy Virgin Downs.

(Subjects: Washington, George)

Greenup "Town Fathers"
(Marker Number: 1529)

County: Greenup
Location: Greenup, Courthouse lawn, US 23 & KY 2

Description: Vital leaders of Greenup County and town were Thomas Waring, Seriah Stratton, Jesse Boone (Daniel's son), Andrew and Thomas Hood. In Andrew Hood's home they organized court of quarter sessions (1804) and circuit court (1806). Waring and Boone were justices on both; Stratton, on sessions court. Andrew Hood and Boone were active in the planning of early roads.

Greenup Association of Baptists
(Marker Number: 1973)

County: Greenup
Location: Site of Palmyra Settlement, approx. 6 mi. from Greenup, KY 207

Description: In the log meeting house of Palmyra Baptist Church, once located near here, Greenup Assoc. was formed in 1841. John Young (1764-1855), early settler on Little Sandy River and Palmyra's pastor, enlisted two other churches from across Ohio River to form association. By 1991, its sesquicentennial year, original three churches had grown to fifty. Presented by Greenup Assoc. of Baptist Churches.

(Subjects: Ohio River | Rivers)

Hopewell Furnace
(Marker Number: 1143)

County: Greenup
Location: Hopewell, KY 1

Description: In 1824, William Ward built here a bloomery forge, converting it, 1832-33, to a blast furnace, also known as Camp Branch Furnace. Air blast was waterpowered. In 1838, this stone stack made 600 tons of iron, consuming 1500 tons of ore, and burning 165,000 bushels of charcoal fuel. Operations ceased in 1844. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Jesse Stuart (1906-1984)
(Marker Number: 1808)

County: Greenup
Location: Jct. W-Hollow Rd. & KY 1

Description: This Kentucky Poet Laureate was born and lived most of his life in W-Hollow, near Greenup. An educator and prolific writer, Stuart authored books, short stories, and poems which portray Appalachian Ky. He received Guggenheim fellowship, 1937; nominated for Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, 1977. Works include The Thread That Runs So True and Man with a Bull-Tongue Plow.

(Subjects: Authors | Books)

Jesse Stuart (1906-1984)
(Marker Number: 1814)

County: Greenup
Location: Roadside park near Jesse Stuart Mem. Bridge, US 23, north of Greenup

Description: This Kentucky Poet Laureate was born and lived most of his life in W-Hollow, near Greenup. An educator and prolific writer, Stuart authored books, short stories, and poems which portray Appalachian Ky. He received Guggenheim fellowship, 1937; nominated for Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, 1977. Works include The Thread That Runs So True and Man with a Bull-Tongue Plow. (Presented by Transportation Cabinet).

(Subjects: Authors | Books)

Kenton Furnace
(Marker Number: 1015)

County: Greenup
Location: Load, KY 7

Description: Built, 1856, by John Waring six miles west, and named for Simon Kenton, Ky. pioneer and Indian fighter. Originally 37 feet high and 101/2 feet in maximum inside diameter, burning locally-made charcoal fuel. In 1874 it produced 3525 tons of iron. Operated until 1882. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry | Kenton, Simon)

Laurel Furnace
(Marker Number: 1019)

County: Greenup
Location: Oldtown, KY 1 & Laurel Creek Rd.

Description: Built 4 miles west by George and Samuel Wurts in 1849. The bottom half of the stack, originally 39 feet high, is carved from one block of stone cliff. The maximum inner diameter is 101/2 feet. It made 2150 tons of iron in 31 weeks of 1855, consuming 376,250 bushels of charcoal fuel. The last blast was in 1874. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

McConnell House Complex
(Marker Number: 2128)

County: Greenup
Location: Wurtland, 100 Harris Lane

Description: John M. McConnell moved from Pa. to Greenupsburg, 1813. Practiced law and served in Kentucky House, 1822-25, and Ky. Sen., 1826-30. In 1831 he purchased 250 acres of land; built this Federal-style dwelling, another brick building for law office, a windmill, and several outbuildings. House listed on Nat'l Reg. of Historical Places. Presented by Heritage Arts, Science, & Tourism Center.

(Reverse) McConnell House Complex - John M. McConnell died in 1834 at the age of 43. In the 1850s, his law office was converted into one of the first private schoolhouses in Greenup County. Ameteck, Inc., purchased house in 1989 and donated it with 1.06 acres to the Heritage Arts, Science, and Tourism Center, 1991. Presented by Heritage Arts, Science, & Tourism.

(Subjects: National Register of Historic Places | Schools)

New Hampshire Furnace
(Marker Number: 1130)

County: Greenup
Location: N. of Lynn, KY 7 at Brushy Creek Rd.

Description: Built 6 mi. west in 1846 on a tract of 30,000 acres by Samuel Seaton and others. Stone stack is 35 ft. high, 10 ft. across inside. Charcoal-fueled, steam-powered air blast. In 22 weeks of 1854, produced 970 tons of iron, hauled in pigs by oxcarts to the Ohio River. It was probably not operated after 1854. See over. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

Oldtown Covered Bridge
(Marker Number: 1585)

County: Greenup
Location: Approx. 9 mi. S. of Greenbo Lake State Park, KY 1 near Frazer Branch Rd.

Description: Crossing Little Sandy River near here is the 194-foot Oldtown Covered Bridge. Built on Burr's patented design, it was completed in 1880 at cost of $4,000. Commissioners in charge of project were J. C. Irvin, John Conley and W. A. Womack. It has withstood floods of 1913 and 1937. Restored in 1972-73 by Green Thumb Program. Listed on National Register of Historic Places, 1976.

(Reverse) Covered Bridges - Covered bridges were first built in the 1790s but did not become widely popular until after 1814. They were covered to protect them from the weather. At one time there were more than 400 covered bridges in Ky. The timbered spans have played a romantic role in our history. Some were destroyed during the Civil War. The remaining ones are a nostalgic link with the past.

(Subjects: Covered Bridges | Floods | National Register of Historic Places | Rivers)

Pennsylvania Furnace
(Marker Number: 1016)

County: Greenup
Location: Argillite, KY 1 at Culp Creek Rd.

Description: Stood 31/4 miles west. Built 1845 by George and Samuel Wurts, later owned by Eastern Kentucky R. R. which shipped its production to Ohio River. Operated until 1881, producing 2213 tons of iron in 1873. Its stone stack was 38 ft. high with a maximum diameter inside of 101/4 ft., using charcoal for fuel. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Pine Grove Furnace
(Marker Number: 1011)

County: Greenup
Location: Near South Shore, Jct. KY 7 & 784

Description: Smallest blast furnace in Hanging Rock Iron Region, 17 feet high with a maximum inner diameter of six feet. Built 1881, six miles west, by Joseph Spriggs, who owned the land, and a sawmill operator named Sanders, whose steam engine drove the air blast. Produced only 26 tons of iron altogether. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Raccoon Furnace
(Marker Number: 1009)

County: Greenup
Location: Greenup, US 23 at KY 2

Description: Built in 1833 by D. Trimble and J. T. Withrow, six miles south. Originally 35 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 10.5 ft. In 1873, this furnace produced 1467 tons of iron. It owned about 10,000 acres of land, mining its own ore and limestone, and making its own charcoal. Not operated after 1884. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Race Track, 1924-1928
(Marker Number: 2143)

County: Greenup
Location: Raceland, near Driving Range at Clubhouse, U.S. 23

Description: The race track named "Raceland" was known as the "Million Dollar Oval." A record crowd of 27,000 packed the grandstand for the inaugural Raceland Derby in 1924. That race featured Ky. Derby winner "Black Gold" and four other Run for the Roses entrants.

(Reverse) Town's name was changed from Chinnville to Raceland ca. 1924. The track's 350- acre complex, complete with 22 stables, a rail spur, and its own jail was built by J.O. Keene, who later built Keeneland in Lexington. Last season of racing was 1928. Track was sold and torn down in 1937.

(Subjects: Derby Winners | Horse racing | Horses)

Shannoah
(Marker Number: 31)

County: Greenup
Location: South Portsmouth, KY 10

Description: First village in Kentucky built by Shawnee Indians and French traders. Visited in January 1751 by Christopher Gist, George Croghan, Andrew Montour, Robert Kallendar and a servant. Located on the site of an earlier Fort Ancient settlement, it stood 500 yards northwest of these Hopewell earthworks. Erected by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, June 1946.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations | Indians | Shawnee Indians)

Steam Furnace
(Marker Number: 1008)

County: Greenup
Location: Wurtland, US 23 at KY 503

Description: Built by Shreve Brothers in 1824, stood 31/4 mi. south. First blast furnace in the Hanging Rock Iron Region to operate blowing engines by steam power rather than water. Charcoal-fueled, 28 ft. high, 81/2 ft. across, produced 3 tons of iron in 24 hours, mostly cast at furnace into utensils. Abandoned after 1860. See other side. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse) Iron Made in Kentucky - A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)