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Airdrie Furnace Site
(Marker Number: 1086)

County: Muhlenberg
Location: Drakesboro, US 431

Description: East five miles. Furnace, 55 ft. high, and stone machinery house built by Robert Alexander, 1855. Brought in Scottish workers, unfamiliar with American ores. Never produced any salable iron. Alexander named town of Airdrie for his Scottish home. Incorporated, 1858. Union General Don Carlos Buell lived there, 1866-98. His plan for industrial city at Airdrie never materialized. 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: Buell, Don Carlos | Iron Industry)

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)

Amanda Furnace
(Marker Number: 1150)

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

Description: When built, 1963, by Armco Steel Corp., rated as the ideal blast furnace, with a hearth diameter of 301/2 ft., daily capacity of 3340 tons of iron. Set American record of 110,515 tons in March, 1966. Rebuilt, in 1968, to produce 4020 tons daily with 331/2 ft. hearth. Named for pioneer furnace a mile west. 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)

Ashland
(Marker Number: 1211)

County: Boyd
Location: Greenup Ave. at 17th St., Ashland, US 23, 60

Description: Settled by 1799 by members of the Poage family of Virginia. Known as Poage's Landing until named in 1854 for Henry Clay's Lexington estate, by the owners, Ky. Iron, Coal and Manufacturing Company. It engaged M. T. Hilton to lay out a town, then auctioned lots. City incorporated by act of Ky. Legislature, Feb. 13, 1856. Presented by the City of Ashland.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Iron Industry)

Ashland Furnace
(Marker Number: 1012)

County: Boyd
Location: Winchester Ave. at 6th St., Ashland

Description: When dismantled in 1962, world's oldest known operating blast furnace. Built in 1869 by Ashland Coal and Iron Railway Co., then 60 ft. high, 15 ft. diameter inside. Daily capacity 40 tons of iron, increased by rebuilding to 550 tons. Operated after 1921 by Armco Steel Corp. as Sixth Street Furnace. 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)

Beaver Dam Furnace
(Marker Number: 1120)

County: Menifee
Location: Scranton, KY 1274

Description: Erected in 1819 by J. T. Mason. It began operations under Robert Crockett, ironmaster. The furnace was a big truncated pyramid of sandstone blocks, 35 feet high with a 28 foot square base. Some products were nails, "plough plates," kettles, skillets, flat irons. The goods were "flat-boated" down river to the markets. The furnace went out of business, 1870-73.

(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)

Belmont Furnace
(Marker Number: 1136)

County: Bullitt
Location: Across from Belmont, KY 61

Description: Stone stack 500 yds. east, 33 ft. high originally, 10 ft. across inside. Built in 1844, perhaps by John H. Baker, rebuilt in 1853, it burned charcoal fuel, smelted iron ore from Cane Run. The air blast machinery was powered by steam. In six months during 1857, it produced 1140 tons of pig iron, shipped to Louisville, mainly for making nails. 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)

Boone Furnace
(Marker Number: 1013)

County: Carter
Location: KY 2 at KY 1773

Description: A stone blast furnace 3.5 miles west, built by Sebastian Eifort and others in 1856. Its last blast was in 1871. It produced 1400 tons of iron that year. It was originally 44 feet, 7 inches high, with a maximum diameter inside of 10.5 feet and a single tuyere, or pipe, for the steam-powered air blast. See over. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.

(Reverse)

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Bourbon Iron Works
(Marker Number: 993)

County: Bath
Location: 3 mi. S. of Owingsville, KY 36, 965

Description: Jacob Myers from Richmond, Va. took up land grants here on Slate Creek, 1782. He built the first iron blast furnace in Ky., 1791. John Cockey Owings and Co. formed to operate furnace. Utensils and tools supplied settlers. Began to make cannon balls, grape shot for US Navy 1810. Furnished munitions for US victory, New Orleans 1815. First blast 1791, last 1838. 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 | War of 1812)

Buckner-Churchill Furnace
(Marker Number: 1389)

County: Muhlenberg
Location: Approx. 51/2 mi. S. of Greenville, KY 181

Description: A round stone blast furnace built a mile northwest in 1837 by Aylette Hartswell Buckner and Cadwallader Churchill. Using local ore and charcoal fuel, it produced pig iron, which was hauled eighteen miles to South Carrollton for shipment on Green River, and kettles, shovels, tongs and andirons for sale in this vicinity. Last blast was in 1842. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Buena Vista Furnace
(Marker Number: 1010)

County: Boyd
Location: KY 5 at KY 784

Description: Built by William Foster and Co. in 1847, 21/4 miles west, named for Mexican War battle that year. It was an important factor in the Hanging Rock iron industry until dismantled in 1876. Its 1874 iron production was 4113 tons. Stone stack was 40 feet high with a maximum inner diameter of 10 ft., and burned charcoal. 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: Buena Vista, Battle of | Iron Industry)

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)

Caney Furnace
(Marker Number: 1226)

County: Bath
Location: Midland, Old River Rd., US 60

Description: Stood five miles south. This stone stack, built 1837-38 by Harrison Connor and Joshua Ewing, Sr., was among first iron furnaces west of the Alleghenies to be equipped with a hot-blast oven, a device to preheat the air blown through the stack. Charcoal-fueled and steam-powered, it operated until 1849, and made iron again briefly in 1857-58. 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)

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)

Center Furnace
(Marker Number: 1366)

County: Trigg
Location: 71/2 mi. NW of Cadiz, KY 274

Description: Sometimes called Hematite, furnace was built by 1852 by Daniel Hillman 2 1/2 mi. west; 35 ft. high, 10 ft. across inside at widest point. Operated, although not continuously, until 1912, burning charcoal fuel. Its air blast was powered by steam. In 46 weeks of 1856, it produced 2,139 1/2 tons of pig iron, mostly shipped by steamboat to fabricators. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Clear Creek Furnace
(Marker Number: 1050)

County: Bath
Location: Salt Lick, US 60 at KY 211

Description: Built in 1839, 5 miles south, by W. A. Lane and W. S. Allen. Stone stack originally 40 ft. high and 101/2 ft. across inside, burning charcoal. Air blast powered by steam. Its iron was used mainly for railway car wheels. Operated until about 1857, then idle until rebuilt and renamed Bath Furnace 1872-73. In 1874 produced 1339 tons. Last blast 1875. 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)

Clinton Furnace
(Marker Number: 1155)

County: Boyd
Location: US 60 at KY 538

Description: Stood one mile east. Its stone stack was 10 ft. across inside, about 35 ft. high, built in 1832 by George, William, Thomas H., and Hugh A. Poage. In 270 days of 1838, it used 2992 tons of ore, 247,000 bushels of charcoal to make 950 tons of iron. In 1857, produced 1500 tons. Operations ceased before 1867. 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)

Cottage Furnace
(Marker Number: 1056)

County: Estill
Location: 5 mi. NE of Ravenna, Jct. KY 52 & 213

Description: Built, 1856, operated until 1873, when 1950 tons of iron were made. Six miles north. A stone stack, originally 38 ft. high, maximum inner diameter 101/2 ft. Fuel was charcoal. Steam-driven air blast. Iron was made into bars, nails and other products at Clay City forge and rolling mill, or cast into utensils at furnace for sale here and in Bluegrass. 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)

County Named, 1838
(Marker Number: 1247)

County: Carter
Location: Grayson, Courthouse lawn, US 60

Description: For Col. William Grayson Carter, state senator, 1834-1838. The 88th Ky. county formed, 32nd in area, Carter was created from Greenup and Lawrence. Noted in early years for 5 iron furnaces, its clay products industry developed in late 1800's. Carter Caves, a major source of saltpeter during War of 1812, has been important tourist attraction since 1924.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Crittenden Furnace
(Marker Number: 1210)

County: Crittenden
Location: 21/2 mi. N. of Dycusburg

Description: Built a mile west by Gideon D. Cobb in 1847, 9 feet across inside, 30 feet high, charcoal-fueled, with steam-powered machinery. In 1855 made 1300 tons of iron. Named for newly formed county, it was last of several ironworks operated by the Cobb and Lyon families, who came to area about 1800, when Andrew Jackson told them of iron ore deposits here. 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 | Jackson, Andrew)

Deer Creek Furnace
(Marker Number: 1450)

County: Crittenden
Location: Approx. 4 mi. SE of Tolu at Jct. KY 135 & 1668

Description: Stood one mile south. It was a brick blast furnace, smelting iron ore from the numerous small pits still visible nearby, using locally made charcoal fuel, and having a steam-powered air blast. Built in 1850 by Alleniah Cole and Carey Allen Darlington, but operated only briefly. Land owned later by Hurricane Furnace, one mile west. 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. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Dr. George M. Huggans
(Marker Number: 1598)

County: Lyon
Location: Water St., Eddyville, KY 730

Description: Home of G. M. Huggans (1815-1866), an early doctor of Eddyville. He was asked to judge sanity of William Kelly. Kelly's dream of a material more malleable and stronger than iron and experiments using cold air led to charges of insanity. Huggans, familiar with iron ore, found Kelly sane and judged his idea practical. Kelly won patent to manufacture steel in U.S. in 1857.

(Subjects: Iron Industry | Steel | Physicians)

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)

Early Iron Works
(Marker Number: 2015)

County: Powell
Location: 4541 Main St. at Red River Museum, Clay City

Description: Though there is evidence of iron production in area even earlier, land was bought for this purpose, 1805, by Robert Clark Jr. and Wm. Smith. Known as Clark & Smith's Iron Works, 1805-1808. A blast furnace called Red River Iron Works operated here from 1808 to 1830. Rebuilt as Estill Steam Furnace on another site; closed in 1869. Presented by Red River Hist. Soc. with ISTEA Funds.

(Reverse) Clay City Timber Industry - With Kentucky Union Railway Company's track laid in Powell Co. in 1886, the area's timber industry expanded. Red River Lumber Mills (1880) became largest steampowered sawmill in Ky. In 1890, the steady run began at one of America's largest timber processing plants. A 1906 mill fire and deforestation of area's timber led to the end of "boom days" in Clay City.

(Subjects: Iron Industry | Mills | Railroads)

Eddyville Furnace
(Marker Number: 1326)

County: Lyon
Location: 1 mi. E. of Kuttawa, KY 295

Description: Also called Jim and I. A brick blast furnace for smelting iron, burning charcoal fuel, built 1832 by John and Samuel Stacker and Thomas Tennessee Watson. Later owned by members of Cobb family, then by William Kelly, inventor of the so-called Bessemer process for making steel. Much of its iron was forged at Kuttawa. Last blast about 1850. 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 by the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Bessemer Process | Iron Industry)

Empire Furnace
(Marker Number: 1357)

County: Trigg
Location: 71/2 mi. NW of Cadiz, KY 274

Description: Stood 1 mile west. Built 1843 by Thomas Tennessee Watson, it was a brick stack with a maximum inner diameter of 91/2 ft., 35 ft. high. It burned charcoal fuel, and its air blast was powered by steam. In 45 weeks of 1856, made 1836 tons of pig iron. Operations transferred to Center Furnace in 1861 because of floods, Civil War military actions. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Civil War | 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)

Estill Steam Furnace
(Marker Number: 1055)

County: Estill
Location: 5 mi. NE of Ravenna, Jct. KY 52 & 213

Description: Six miles north. A stone stack, built, 1830, by Thomas Deye Owings, a leader in the once thriving Red River iron industry. Originally 34 ft. high, 10 ft. across inside with a steam-powered air blast, burning charcoal. Produced 1967 tons of iron in 1872. Last blast in 1874. Pig iron was made into finished products at Clay City forge and rolling mill. 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)

Fulton Furnace
(Marker Number: 1340)

County: Lyon
Location: Jct. KY 453 & Lookout Tower Rd., 1.2 mi. N. of Conservation Center Sta. Rd.

Description: Built 2 miles east in 1845 by Thomas Tennessee Watson, Daniel Hillman. A brick stack 33 ft. high, 11 ft. across at the widest point, it produced 1044 tons of iron in 22 weeks of 1857. After 1856, it had ovens to heat the air for its blast, which was powered by steam. Charcoal fuel made and ore mined locally. Last blast 1860. 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)

Gerard Furnace
(Marker Number: 1373)

County: Calloway
Location: Mt. Carmel Church, KY 121

Description: Built 21/4 miles east in 1854 by Browder, Kennedy and Co. Inside it was 24 ft. high and 101/2 ft. across at widest point, burning locally made charcoal fuel. Its air blast machinery was powered by steam. In 34 weeks of 1857, it produced 1,595 tons of pig iron, mostly shipped by steamboats on Tennessee River. Did not operate after 1858. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. 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)

Grand Rivers Furnace
(Marker Number: 1368)

County: Livingston
Location: Grand Rivers, KY 453 at Commerce Ave.

Description: Built 1/2 mile west, 1890-91, by the Grand Rivers Coal, Iron and Railroad Co. Two stacks, each one 60 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 131/2 ft., together could produce 45,000 tons of iron yearly, using coal for fuel until 1901, and coke thereafter. These blast furnaces operated intermittently until dismantled in 1921. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Henry Clay Furnace
(Marker Number: 1390)

County: Hart
Location: Adjacent to Courthouse, Munfordville, US 31-W

Description: Furnace built 71/4 miles east in 1832 by Aylette Hartswell Buckner, S. V. Leedom, Cadwallader Churchill. A stone stack about 35 ft. high, 9 ft. across at widest inside, it burned charcoal fuel to produce pig iron and utensils from local ore. Its air-blast machinery was powered by a water wheel. Its operations were discontinued in 1837. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Hopewell Furnace
(Marker Number: 1349)

County: Livingston
Location: 8 mi. E. of Smithland at Mint Springs Church, KY 70

Description: Also called Ozeoro, built 1/2 mile north in 1848 by Wm. L. Hiter, Wm. Lewis and Henry F. Given. A brick stack 30 ft. high, 9 ft. in maximum inner diameter, it was charcoal-fueled with air blast powered by steam. In 33 weeks of 1856 it produced 1096 tons of pig iron from locally mined ore. It was rebuilt in 1857, and ceased operating in 1859. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

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)

Hunnewell Furnace
(Marker Number: 1017)

County: Carter
Location: US 60 at KY 207

Description: Originally Greenup Furnace five miles north. Built 1845 by John Campbell, John Peters and John Culbertson. As rebuilt in 1870, it was 47 ft. high, 12 ft. across inside. Its yearly capacity 6000 tons of iron, mainly carried to Ohio River in ox carts, later by E. K. Railroad, which bought furnace. Last blast 1885. 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)

Hurricane Furnace
(Marker Number: 1225)

County: Crittenden
Location: 2 mi. E. of Tolu, KY 135

Description: Built 1/4 mile southeast in 1850 by Andrew Jackson, Jr. Also known as Jackson Furnace. As rebuilt in 1856, it was 34 ft. high, with a maximum inner diameter of 10 ft. In 6 months of 1857, made 1200 tons of iron from ores of the Jackson Bank, two mi. south. Its soft iron was prized by rolling mills. Operations ceased in the early 1860s. 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)

Iron Hill Furnace
(Marker Number: 1014)

County: Carter
Location: Iron Hill, KY 7

Description: Later Charlotte, built in 1873 by Iron Hills Furnace and Mining Co. It has an iron shell stack 49 ft. high, with a maximum diameter inside of 121/2 ft. Largest blast furnace intended to use charcoal fuel in the Hanging Rock Iron Region, it produced only 962 tons of iron for first owners. Ceased operating before 1884. 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)

Iron in Green County
(Marker Number: 1080)

County: Green
Location: N. of Brush Creek, KY 61

Description: Three iron furnaces built along Brush Creek after iron ore was found in 1815. Jacob Holderman and Charles Wilkins built furnace and forge in 1816, 10 miles downstream. Joseph Harrison erected furnace, 1819, downstream 7 miles. Forge produced household wares, tools. 2 miles from here, Green Springs Furnace built, 1832. All operated until late 1830s. 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)

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)

Kenton Furnace
(Marker Number: 1434)

County: Campbell
Location: 4th & Park Ave., Newport

Description: Built at foot of Park Avenue in 1869 by the Kenton Iron Co., to supply iron to a foundry making pipe and structural materials. It was 58 ft. high and 15 ft. across at widest point inside, burning coke fuel and powered by steam. In 1877, the machinery was taken down, and assembled again at Greendale, Ohio, beginning to operate in 1879. 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, and munitions throughout the northern and western portions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Old charcoal-furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Laura Furnace
(Marker Number: 998)

County: Trigg
Location: 6 mi. S. of Golden Pond, US 68

Description: Site of one of several furnaces operated in this region between the rivers, now lakes. This one, Laura, built 1855 by Tennesseans at cost of $40,000. Produced iron successfully, employing as many as 130, until Civil War forced it to close down. After the war it was in blast intermittently, but it could not be made profitable; was closed in 1872. 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)

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)

Licking Furnace
(Marker Number: 1395)

County: Campbell
Location: 4th St., in front of Newport Mall, KY 8

Description: Built three blocks east in 1859 by Swift's Iron and Steel Works. As rebuilt in 1869, it was 65 feet high, with a maximum diameter inside of 16 feet. Its annual capacity was 17,000 tons of iron, using Connellsville coke as fuel. Iron mostly converted to steel at same works. Furnace ceased operating by 1888. See over. Presented by Newport Works Interlake, Inc.

(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, and munitions throughout the northern and western portions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Old charcoal-furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Mammoth Furnace
(Marker Number: 1364)

County: Lyon
Location: Land Between The Lakes, Bethlehem Church Rd., KY 58

Description: Built 3 1/4 miles west in 1845 by Charles and John Stacker, a stone stack 31 1/2 ft. high, 9 ft. across inside at widest. Steam-powered, charcoal-fueled, it made white unusually hard pig iron from ore deposits near furnace, producing 1514 tons in 48 weeks, 1857. CSA Army obstructed Tenn. River at Fort Henry with iron spikes made here. Last blast 1874. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Civil War | Forts and Stations | Iron Industry)

Mountain Vision
(Marker Number: 1227)

County: Bell
Location: W. Cumberland Ave., Middlesboro, US 25

Description: Alexander Arthur, 1846-1912, an outstanding figure in history of Middlesboro. He came here in 1885 to prospect, discovering coal and iron ore deposits. President of American Association, formed to carry out his plans for a mining and manufacturing city. Watts Steel and Iron Company was one of the largest concerns, having blast furnaces, brick works, steel mills. Presented by American Assoc. Limited.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Nelson Furnace
(Marker Number: 1113)

County: Nelson
Location: E. of Nelsonville, KY 52

Description: Organized by William and Mordecai Miller and John Irwin in 1836. The blast furnace had two forty-foot pyramidal stone stacks with six-foot hearths. Output of iron in 1857 was 12 tons daily. The Civil War boom in iron brought the merger with Belmont Furnace, Bullitt County, in 1865. After nine years, Nelson and Belmont furnace closed down, 1874. 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)

New Union Forge
(Marker Number: 1332)

County: Lyon
Location: Kuttawa, KY 295

Description: Stood 1/4 mile SE. Built 1846-47 on site of older facilities by Wm. Kelly to process pig iron from nearby blast furnaces. Kettles to refine sugar, boiler-plate iron among products. Here Kelly began to develop the so-called Bessemer steel-making process, for which he received the patent. Closed in 1857. Chas. Anderson laid out the town of Kuttawa here in 1870.

(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: Bessemer Process | Iron Industry)

Nolin Furnace
(Marker Number: 1396)

County: Edmonson
Location: Information Center at Moutadier Camp Ground, KY 2067

Description: Also called Baker Furnace after its ironmaster, John H. Baker; was built in 1848, a mile north, by Craddock & Co. The top of the stone stack, about 40 ft. high originally, is still visible when water in Nolin Reservoir is low. Using steam power, charcoal fuel, it produced pig iron, kettles, andirons and other articles from local ore. Last blast in 1850.

(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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Norton Furnace
(Marker Number: 1023)

County: Boyd
Location: Winchester Ave. at 23rd St., Ashland, US 23, 60

Description: In 1967, the world's oldest known operating blast furnace. Built by Norton Iron Works Co. in 1873, an iron shell stack 67 ft. high with maximum inner diameter of 18 ft., burning "stone coal." It produced 10,502 tons of iron in 1874. Its 1884 capacity was 20,000 tons yearly. Operated after 1928 by Armco Steel Corp. 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)

Oakland Furnace
(Marker Number: 1157)

County: Boyd
Location: US 23 at KY 538

Description: Stood 2 miles west. Built in 1834 by John C. and Jacob Kouns, it was a stone stack with air blast machinery powered by steam. It made 600 tons of iron in 1838, consuming 2100 tons of ore and 180,000 bushels of charcoal fuel. The iron was shipped in pigs by river boat. Furnace not operated after 1849. 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)

Owings House
(Marker Number: 1193)

County: Bath
Location: Owingsville, US 60

Description: Built 1811-14 for Colonel Thomas Deye Owings by Benjamin Latrobe, who redesigned the interior of the US Capitol after the British burned it, War of 1812. This house was a center of social life during early 1800's. Henry Clay, while US Sec. of State, attended a grand ball here. Reputedly, in 1814, someone posing as Prince Louis Philippe was a guest here. See over.

(Reverse) Thomas Deye Owings - Came to Bath County in 1800 from Maryland. An early ironmaster, he operated the Bourbon Iron Works, Slate and Maria forges. Iron Works Pike, Owingsville to Lexington, built to haul iron from this area to the Bluegrass, there being no nearby river route. Owings was four times a state representative and a state senator, 1823-27. Town named for him, 1811. See over.

(Subjects: Clay, Henry | Iron Industry)

Pactolus Furnace
(Marker Number: 1148)

County: Carter
Location: Pactolus, KY 1

Description: Built in 1824 by Joseph McMurtry and David L. Ward, on the site of an earlier bloomery forge. Its stone stack used charcoal fuel, and its air blast machinery was powered from a dam, 51/2 ft. high, in Little Sandy River. Capacity was about three tons of iron daily, mainly shipped via Ohio River. Last blast before 1835. 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)

Paducah Furnace
(Marker Number: 1421)

County: McCracken
Location: 3rd & Norton, Paducah

Description: Built here 1889 by Paducah Iron Co., 70 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 14 ft. Rated annual capacity 30,000 tons of iron, using coke fuel. Operations began in 1900, smelting ore from Lyon, Trigg, Livingston counties in Ky., and from Missouri. It was in blast intermittently until 1903, when the furnace ruptured. Razed 1907. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry | Paducah)

Patriot's Stage Stop
(Marker Number: 1337)

County: Scott
Location: White Sulphur, Jct. of Ironworks Pk. & KY 227, 460

Description: This house, 1800-32, a stagecoach stop owned by Julius Gibbs. On the Iron Works Pike, route for hauling iron products from furnaces in Bath County to Kentucky River. Gibbs enlisted 1775, in first Va. Regiment under Col. Patrick Henry. Served until 1781. Pioneer settler of Great Crossings, 1782. Charter member of its Baptist church, 1785. Presented by Mrs. Lena Gibbs Ransdell and Gibbs' Descendants.

(Subjects: Henry, Patrick | Iron Industry | Revolutionary War | Stagecoach Stops)

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)

Pioneer Furnace
(Marker Number: 1354)

County: Lawrence
Location: US 23, S. of Louisa at Jct. of KY 644

Description: The southernmost blast furnace in the Hanging Rock Iron Region. Built in 1881, 41/2 miles south, by Jay H. Northup, George C. Peck and Thomas Cummings. A stone stack 18 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 41/2 ft., it began operations in 1882, using locally mined ore and charcoal fuel made nearby. Production had ceased by 1884. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Princess Furnace
(Marker Number: 1135)

County: Boyd
Location: Princess, KY 5

Description: Built here in 1876-77, by Thomas W. Means (1803-90), for 50 years the leading figure in the iron industry of this area, owner of furnaces in Ky., Ohio, Va., Ala. This iron-jacketed stack burned "stone coal" because Buena Vista Furnace nearby had used all the charcoal timber on 6000 acres. Last blast, 1878. 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: Buena Vista, Battle of | 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)

Red River Iron Works
(Marker Number: 1054)

County: Estill
Location: 8 mi. NE of Ravenna, KY 52

Description: Blackstone and Chandler Furnaces, a single stone structure 60 ft. high, 40 x 60 ft. Twin stacks 50 ft. high, 121/2 ft. across inside. Three miles north. Built in 1869 by Sam Worthley, designed by Fred Fitch, with steam-powered air blast, burning charcoal. Operated until 1874, producing 16,072 tons of iron. Fitchburg, chartered in 1871, no longer exists. 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)

Salt River Furnace
(Marker Number: 1162)

County: Bullitt
Location: Beech Grove Rd. & KY 61, Bardstown Junction

Description: Stood one mile west. It was a stone stack 33 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 10 ft. Its fuel was charcoal, and its air blast machinery was driven by a steam engine, blowing preheated air through the stack. Built in 1832, perhaps by John H. Baker, it produced 700 to 800 tons of iron and castings annually until operations ended, 1853. 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)

Sandy Furnace
(Marker Number: 1131)

County: Boyd
Location: KY 3 at KY 773

Description: Built 1853 by Young, Foster & Co. (Dan and John Young, Wm. Foster, Irwin Gilruth), 4 mi. west on a 19,000 acre tract. Stone stack originally 32 ft. high, 101/2 ft. across inside. In 1854, its last year of operation, made 1000 tons of iron, which had to be hauled by oxcart across country to Big Sandy River. 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)

Stacker Furnace
(Marker Number: 1367)

County: Trigg
Location: Linton, KY 164

Description: Also called Olive Landing and Line Island, was built here by William Ewing and French Rayburn in 1845-46, and it afterward owned by Samuel Stacker. It had a steam-powered air blast. Using ore from deposits nearby and locally made charcoal fuel, it produced pig iron at intervals until 1856, when it was finally abandoned. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Star Furnace
(Marker Number: 1018)

County: Carter
Location: 2 mi. W. of Boyd Co. line, US 60

Description: Built in 1848 by A. McCullough and Lampton Brothers. Its stone stack was 36 feet high, 111/2 feet across inside at widest point, and burned "stone coal" rather than charcoal. It was served by its own railroad spur. In 1866 it produced 2600 tons of iron, 1958 tons in 1871. 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)

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)

Suwanee Furnace
(Marker Number: 1327)

County: Lyon
Location: 11/2 mi. W. of Kuttawa, US 62, 641, at Jct. with Suwanee Road

Description: Was built by 1851, 200 yds. NW, by William Kelly, whose experiments there perfected his invention of the so-called Bessemer method of making steel, for which Kelly was granted the patent. The blast furnace was a brick stack 35 ft. high, 10 ft. maximum inner width, steam-powered, charcoal fueled. Made 1700 tons of iron in 1857, its last year. 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: Bessemer Process | Iron Industry)

Tenn. Rolling Mills
(Marker Number: 1423)

County: Lyon
Location: Near Confederate, KY 274

Description: Moved from Nashville to a site one mile west, 1845-46, by Thomas Tennessee Watson and Daniel Hillman. Pig iron from charcoal-fueled blast furnaces in this vicinity was processed into boiler plate, sheets, beams and other articles here for shipment all over the Mississippi Valley. Operations transferred to Louisville in 1884 by the L. P. Ewald Iron Co.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Trigg Furnace
(Marker Number: 1380)

County: Trigg
Location: 2.4 mi. E. of Rockcastle, KY 274

Description: Built here in 1871 by the Daniel Hillman Iron Co. was a brick-and-stone blast furnace producing pig iron from locally mined ore. It burned charcoal fuel, and used steam power to blow preheated air through the stack. Most iron made here was processed at the works of the Tennessee Rolling Mills, 3 miles NW. Operations ceased by 1878. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Underwood Furnace
(Marker Number: 1348)

County: Livingston
Location: 8 mi. E. of Smithland at Mint Springs Church, KY 70

Description: Built 3/4 mile north in 1846-47 by James C. Sloo and Leonard White. It was a brick structure with a steam-powered air blast, using locally made charcoal fuel to produce pig iron from ore mined nearby. Iron was shipped by steamboat to fabricators. After 1848, operations were transferred to the neighboring Hopewell Furnace. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)

Watts Furnaces
(Marker Number: 1402)

County: Bell
Location: Middlesboro, US 25-E at KY 441

Description: Stood 1/2 mi. SW. A pair of blast furnaces built by the Watts Steel and Iron Syndicate, Ltd., 1890-93, and operated until 1898. Each iron shell stack was 75 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 17 ft. Using coke fuel and local ore, they had a planned capacity together of 400 tons of iron daily, converted to steel at the same site. 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. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.

(Subjects: Iron Industry)