Historical Marker

Pioneer Furnace

The southernmost blast furnace in the Hanging Rock Iron Region. Built in 1881, 41/2 miles south, by Jay H. Northup, George C. Peck and Thomas Cummings. A stone stack 18 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 41/2 ft., it began operations in 1882, using locally mined ore and charcoal fuel made nearby. Production had ceased by 1884. See the other side.

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.