Greenup in Greenup County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Raccoon Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky
Racoon Furnace. Built in 1833 by D. Trimble and J.T. Withrow, six miles south. Originally 35 ft. high with a maximum inner diameter of 10½ ft. In 1873 this furnace produced 1467 tons of iron. It owned about 10,000 acres of land, mining its own ore and limestone, and making its own charcoal. Not operated after 1884.
Iron Made in Kentucky. A major producer since 1791, Kentucky ranked 3rd is U.S. 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, and Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads.
Erected 1967 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways, and Armco Steel Corp. (Marker Number 1009.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 38° 34.51′ N, 82° 50.413′ W. Marker is in Greenup, Kentucky, in Greenup County. Marker is at the intersection of Seaton Avenue (U.S. 23) and Washington Street (Kentucky Route 2), on the right when traveling west on Seaton Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greenup KY 41144, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. County Named, 1803 (approx. ¼ mile away); A Masterful Retreat (approx. ¼ mile away); Greenup “Town Fathers” (approx. ¼ mile away); Jesse Stuart (approx. ¼ mile away); McKee House (approx. 0.6 miles away); E. K. Railway (approx. ¾ mile away); Jesse Stuart (1906-1984) (approx. 2.6 miles away); John M. McConnell House (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenup.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 15, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.