Historical Marker

Clear Creek Furnace

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.

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.