Kentucky Iron Industry

Kentucky has several iron ore deposits that were exploited beginning in the late 1700s. Plentiful timber for charcoal, streams to power machinery, and other natural resources were used to develop an iron industry. In the early years difficulties in transporting iron goods from the east made local production particularly advantageous. Numerous iron furnaces were constructed through the nineteenth century and Kentucky was third in iron production in the United States by 1830 (behind Pennsylvania and New York), but development of mining and production technology and later ore discoveries dropped Kentucky to seventh place by 1870. Production had mostly ended by the early twentieth century.

The iron blast furnaces were constructed of local stone near timber for charcoal and streams to provide power for bellows. The furnaces were 30 to over 60 feet tall. About 100 were built around the state and several are still standing or in still visible ruins.

SOME SURVIVING IRON FURNACES

Airdrie Furnace . Constructed in 1855 and operated only a few months. Located near Drakesboro in Muhlenberg county.

Bourbon Furnace (also known as Slate Creek Furnace and Old Thunder Mill). Probably the first in Kentucky, constructed in 1791. Located outside Owingsville in Bath county.

Fitchburg Furnace (also known as Red River Furnace). Constructed in 1868 and operated until about 1875. It is the largest in the state. Located near Ravenna in Estill

Iron Hills Furnace (later known as Charlotte Furnace). Constructed in 1873 and operated until about 1880. Located near Grayson in Carter county.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information see the Kentucky Encyclopedia.

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