Historical Marker

Mammoth Furnace


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.

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

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Civil War Forts and Stations Iron Industry
The first successful gold rush in the United States occurred in 1806 in Kentucky. The gold was found in the sand and gravel of the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Kentucky random facts
Lyon County, Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its early settlement by pioneers in the late 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee, who utilized the region's bountiful natural resources for hunting and gathering. European explorers, such as Daniel Boone, also ventured into the area in the late 1700s.

In 1805, Lyon County was officially established and named after the distinguished statesman John Lyon. It quickly became a thriving agricultural community, with settlers cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The county's proximity to the Ohio River also allowed for easy transportation of goods, further contributing to its economic growth.

During the Civil War, Lyon County, like many other parts of Kentucky, was deeply divided. While some residents supported the Union, others sympathized with the Confederacy. The county saw several skirmishes and raids carried out by both sides, leaving a lasting impact on the community. After the war, Lyon County slowly recovered and resumed its focus on agriculture.

In the 20th century, the construction of the Kentucky Dam and the creation of Kentucky Lake in the 1940s brought significant changes to the area. The resulting recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and camping, drew tourists from all over, boosting the local economy and establishing Lyon County as a popular vacation destination. Today, Lyon County maintains its agricultural roots while embracing the tourism industry, offering visitors a unique blend of historic charm and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lyon County, Kentucky.

  • 1799 - Lyon County is created from portions of Caldwell County and Livingston County.
  • 1803 - Eddyville, the county seat of Lyon County, is officially established.
  • 1815 - Kentucky State Penitentiary is established in Eddyville.
  • 1820 - The Eddyville Furnace, a major iron producer, begins operation.
  • 1824 - The Lyon County Courthouse is built.
  • 1830 - Lyon County's population reaches 3,233 people.
  • 1842 - The Kentucky State Penitentiary is moved to a new location in Eddyville.
  • 1855 - The Lyon County Herald newspaper is founded.
  • 1861 - Lyon County residents vote to remain in the Union during the Civil War.
  • 1873 - The Eddyville Academy is established as a private school.
  • 1901 - The Eddyville and Cumberland Springs Railway is completed.
  • 1926 - Kentucky Dam is constructed on the Cumberland River, creating Kentucky Lake.
  • 1938 - Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is established.
  • 1966 - Lyon County High School is completed.
  • 1998 - The Lyon County Museum opens to preserve the county's history.