Historical Marker

Beaver Dam Furnace

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.