Historical Marker

Kenton Furnace

Built, 1856, by John Waring six miles west, and named for Simon Kenton, Ky. pioneer and Indian fighter. Originally 37 feet high and 101/2 feet in maximum inside diameter, burning locally-made charcoal fuel. In 1874 it produced 3525 tons of iron. Operated until 1882. 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.