The Iron Industry in Boiling Springs

The Iron Industry in Boiling Springs. . , The iron works operated at this site starting (sic) in the 1760s and ended in 1895, when the new process for making iron superseded the charcoal method. Three successive families owned and managed the complex, the Eges, Ahis, and Butchers. This iron furnace is a reminder of the early history of the Boiling Springs area., The establishment of the Carlisle Iron Works in Boiling Springs around 1760 marks the beginning of industrial development in the Cumberland Valley. The iron works complex consisted of a number of buildings and structures that included the charcoal furnace (ca. 1762), a forge, grist mill, ironmaster’s mansion, stables, three barns, tenant houses, coal houses, carpenter, and blacksmith shops., The iron works was located at this site because of its proximity to natural resources needed for iron production: iron ore from the South Mountain, timber for making charcoal, and limestone from the Ironstone Ridge. Water power for the furnace and force was provided by the damming of the Boiling Springs., products produced at this furnace included cast items such as pots, kettles, skillets, stoves, chimney backs and pig iron. At the nearby forge, pig iron was reheated and shaped into finished iron goods. Iron produced here was likely used to manufacture weapons and ammunition for the Revolution., This sign is part of a joint historic signage project of the Boiling Springs Civic Association and South Middletown Township