San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Metalworking Furnaces

Mission San Juan Capistrano

— ASM International —

Metalworking Furnaces Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, August 13, 2013

1. Metalworking Furnaces Marker

Inscription.
The two furnaces at this site, circa 1790's, are the oldest existing metalworking structures in California. They were used for the production of wrought iron, thereby introducing the natives living here to the Metal Age. Previously, only skills in stone, wood, bone, and shell were known.

Erected by ASM International.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the ASM International Historical Landmarks series list.

Location. 33° 30.138′ N, 117° 39.77′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from Camino Capistrano. Located in Mission San Juan Capistrano. Paid admission required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31730 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific

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Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Olive Mill (a few steps from this marker); The Founding Documents of Mission San Juan Capistrano (a few steps from this marker); Kiicha (a few steps from this marker); San Juan Capistrano Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mission San Juan Capistrano (within shouting distance of this marker); Fr. Serra’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Mission Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mission San Juan Capistrano (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Adam Margolis, August 13, 2013

2. Metalworking Furnaces Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.