Grand Rivers in Livingston County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Grand Rivers Iron Furnace

With Two Sixty-ton Charcoal Furnaces

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 16, 2024

1. Grand Rivers Iron Furnace Marker

Inscription. During the late 1800's iron created a boom in Kentucky, and the discovery of iron ore in the Grand Rivers area attracted Thomas Lawson and the Grand Rivers Company to the area.

The company owned 18,000 acres of mineral lands, 3,000 acres of coal-bearing land, and 3,000 acres for the site of the city.

The furnace included two sixty-ton burners and was one of the most advanced smelters in the country. The twin stacks could produce 45,000 tons of iron annually.

The furnace operated only a short time under the Grand Rivers company. During the late 1800's, higher grade ore was discovered in the Great Lakes area and Birmingham, Alabama.

The furnace operated intermittently until it was demolished in 1921.

Erected by Livingston Co. Tourist Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 37° 0.114′ N, 88° 14.598′ W. Marker is in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, in Livingston County. Marker is on West Commerce Avenue west of 15th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 W Commerce Ave, Grand Rivers KY 42045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Grand Rivers Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Andrew Jackson Smith / Medal of Honor (approx. 3 miles away); (Kelly Furnace) (approx. 5.3 miles away); Suwanee Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 5.3 miles away); "Oak Hill" (approx. 6.1 miles away); Kelly Kettle (approx. 7.4 miles away); New Union Forge / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 8.2 miles away); Mammoth Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 8.3 miles away).

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 16, 2024

2. Grand Rivers Iron Furnace Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 122 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.