Historical Marker

Pennsylvania Furnace


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. Erected in 1967.