Near Scranton in Menifee County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Beaver Dam Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky

Beaver Dam Furnace Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

1. Beaver Dam Furnace Marker

Inscription. Erected in 1819 by J. T. Mason. it began operations under Robert Crockett, ironmaster. The furnace was a big truncated pyramid of sandstone blocks, 35 feet high with a 28 foot square base. Some products: nails, “plough plates,” kettles, skillets, flat irons. The goods were “flat-boated” down river to the markets. The furnace went out of business, 1870-73.

A major producer since 1791, Kentucky 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.

Erected 1968 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1120.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.

Location. 37° 59.059′ N, 83° 31.382′ W. Marker is near Scranton, Kentucky, in Menifee

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County. Marker is on Old Beaver Road (Kentucky Route 1274) 6.4 miles east of Kentucky Route 36, on the right when traveling east. It is at a large pull-off on the outside of a curve in the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frenchburg KY 40322, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Murder Branch Massacre (approx. 2.3 miles away); Menifee County (approx. 6.1 miles away); Olympian Springs (approx. 9.8 miles away); Clear Creek Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 10½ miles away); Unwind with Us (approx. 10½ miles away); Caney Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 10.7 miles away); An Early Boom Town (approx. 10.9 miles away); Morgan Raiders' Camp (approx. 10.9 miles away).

Iron Made in Kentucky face of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

2. Iron Made in Kentucky face of marker

Beaver Dam Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

3. Beaver Dam Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 603 times since then and 136 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 15, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.