Historical Marker

Globe Furnace


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.