Historical Marker

Amanda Furnace


A stone stack 35 ft. high, 10 ft. across inside, built in 1829 by James E. McDowell, John Culver, John H., Edwin P., Robert C. and Wm. L. Poage; later owned by the Paull family, buried on hillside above. In 196 days of 1838 made 100 tons of iron. Produced 200 tons in 1854, its last year of operation. 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.