Historical Marker

Buffalo Furnace


A major producer of iron in the Hanging Rock Region 1851-75, an important Union Army supplier in the Civil War. Built by H. Hollister and Ross. Stone stack originally was 361/2 feet high, with a steam powered air blast. Employing about 150 men, it could produce 15 tons in 24 hours. Pig iron was shipped by steamboat on Ohio River. 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. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads

Iron Industry
Kentucky was originally part of Virginia and was known as the "Kentucky County" until it became a separate state in 1792.
Kentucky random facts
Green County, Kentucky, is a county steeped in history, with a rich and diverse past. The county was established on December 20, 1792, just a year after Kentucky became a state. It was named in honor of General Nathanael Greene, a hero of the Revolutionary War. Green County's early settlers were mostly of Scotch-Irish and German descent, seeking fertile land and new opportunities in the wilderness.

During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in Green County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal place for growing tobacco and corn, which became major cash crops. The county's agricultural success attracted more settlers, leading to the growth of towns and communities.

The 19th century saw the rise of educational institutions and the establishment of newspapers in Green County. Schools were founded to provide education to the growing population, and newspapers played a crucial role in spreading information and connecting the community. In 1870, the Greensburg Female College was established, providing higher education opportunities to young women in the county.

Green County also played a significant role in the Civil War. Many young men from the county enlisted in both the Union and Confederate armies, and several battles were fought in or near Green County. The war had a profound impact on the county, leaving scars that would take years to heal.

In the 20th century, Green County continued to evolve and modernize. Agriculture remained an important industry, but manufacturing and service sectors began to grow, contributing to the county's economic development. Today, Green County is known for its picturesque countryside, historical landmarks, and welcoming community. It continues to honor its heritage while embracing the opportunities of the present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Green County, Kentucky.

  • 1803 - Green County is formed from portions of Lincoln and Nelson counties.
  • 1804 - The county seat is established in Greensburg.
  • 1812 - The first courthouse is built in Greensburg.
  • 1830 - The first newspaper, Green Republican, is published in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Green County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1906 - The first high school is established in Greensburg.
  • 1929 - Green County experiences an economic boom due to the discovery of oil and natural gas.
  • 1940 - The last public hanging in Kentucky takes place in Green County.
  • 1950s-1960s - Green County experiences population decline due to urbanization and agricultural consolidation.
  • 1997 - The historic Downtown Greensburg district is added to the National Register of Historic Places.