Elk Rapids in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Elk Rapids Iron Company

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 11, 2024

1. Elk Rapids Iron Company Marker

Inscription. The brick ruin near this marker was the hearth of the Elk Rapids furnace, during the 1870s one of the nation's greatest producers of charcoal iron. Forty-seven feet high and twelve feet in diameter, it was begun in 1872 and produced the first blast of iron on June 24, 1873. The local logging firm of Dexter and Noble constructed the furnace, locating it in Elk Rapids to utilize the vast stands of hardwood timber which surrounded the town. The hardwood was converted to charcoal to fire the furnace, and iron ore was imported from the Upper Peninsula by freighter. Once the town's major employer, the furnace closed during World War I when the nearby forests were depleted, and cheaper smelting processes were developed.

Erected 1973 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. Registered state site. (Marker Number 292.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 24, 1873.

Location. 44° 54.041′ N, 85° 24.434′ W. Marker is in Elk Rapids, Michigan, in Antrim County. It is on Ames Street west of U.S. 31, on the right when traveling

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west. It is at the edge of parking lot for the Riverwalk Grill Restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Ames St, Elk Rapids MI 49629, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Elk Rapids Iron Company (a few steps from this marker); The Steamer Oriole (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Because of the Water... (approx. 0.3 miles away); Elk Rapids (approx. 0.3 miles away); Land of Anishinabek (approx. 0.3 miles away); Why All of the Stumps? (approx. 0.3 miles away); Elk River, Entry to the Chain of Lakes of Antrim County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Early Elk Rapids and the Elk River (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Rapids.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 11, 2024

2. Elk Rapids Iron Company Marker

Ruin of the Hearth of the Elk Rapids Furnace image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 11, 2024

3. Ruin of the Hearth of the Elk Rapids Furnace

This marker is out of frame on the left. In view is the nearby interpretive panel with the same title.

Elk Rapids Iron Co's Furnace, Elk Rapids Mich. image. Click for full size.

Divided back postcard by C. Kropf Co., Milwaukee (Public Domain), circa 1910

4. Elk Rapids Iron Co's Furnace, Elk Rapids Mich.

Postcard from the 1910s.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 21, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.