Union City in Branch County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Union City Iron Furnace

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 17, 2013

1. Union City Iron Furnace Marker

Inscription.
On March 17, 1847, the Union City Iron Company was incorporated with leading citizens of the town as stockholders. The company was formed to produce iron from the bog and kidney iron ore deposits in Union and neighboring townships. A furnace was built, and in May, 1847, it produced what was apparently the first iron made from Michigan ores. Earlier Michigan iron furnaces used imported pig iron. The percentage of iron in southern Michigan's ores was too small, however, to maker their use profitable. Thus, in a few years Union City's pioneering furnace ceased making pig iron and turned to the production of plows.

Erected by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number L28.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1792.

Location. 42° 3.926′ N, 85° 7.892′ W. Marker is in Union City, Michigan, in Branch County. Marker is on Coldwater Street, 0.1 miles east of Crane Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Union City MI 49094, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The St. Joe Tavern & The Bucket (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Fire Hall

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(about 600 feet away); Riverside Hotel, Duo Coach & UCI (about 700 feet away); "Union" of the Rivers (about 700 feet away); Caille Richards Company (about 700 feet away); The Broadway Bridge (about 700 feet away); Chivas & Jack's Grocery (about 700 feet away); Coldwater River & Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union City.

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 17, 2013

2. Union City Iron Furnace Marker

View to west along Coldwater Street

Close-Up of Marker Graphic image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 17, 2013

3. Close-Up of Marker Graphic

Typical Nineteenth-Century Iron Furnace

Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.