Near Zaleski in Vinton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Hanging Rock Iron Region
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 15, 2009
1. The Hanging Rock Iron Region Marker
Charcoal iron production in Ohio was centered in the Hanging Rock Iron Region, a geographical area extending from Hocking County to the Ohio River and including portions of Northern Kentucky. The region encompassed an 1800 square mile area that was rich in deposits of iron ore and limestone and was covered by a forest that supplied the raw materials for charcoal. The first furnace was built in 1826 and by the 1860's, sixty-five furnaces were located in the region.
Stimulated by a need for munitions during the Civil War, the demand for iron produced by the Hanging Rock furnaces increased. After the Civil War, larger and more modern furnaces were built elsewhere, and the smaller furnaces of the Hanging Rock Iron Region could not compete. By the beginning of the 20th century, the once prosperous industry had all but disappeared.
Erected 2005 by Make A Difference Day Ohio and Others.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Natural Resources • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 39° 19.927′ N, 82° 20.421′
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Hocking Hills and in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It was also in the American Midwest, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Hope Furnace / Hanging Rock Iron Region (here, next to this marker); Hope Furnace (a few steps from this marker); Hope Furnace Ruins (a few steps from this marker); The History of Lake Hope (within shouting distance of this marker); Hope Schoolhouse (approx. 1.3 miles away); Selinde Roosenburg (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Hope Schoolhouse (approx. 1.3 miles away); Gallia County State Route 160 Racoon Creek Bridge (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Zaleski.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Hanging Rock Blast Furnace (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); From Forest to Furnace (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); The Furnace Legacy
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 15, 2009
2. The Hanging Rock Iron Region Marker
Hope Furnace in background.
Also see . . . Iron Furnace History in Ohio. The Olde Forester website entry (Submitted on March 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 15, 2009
3. The Hanging Rock Iron Region Marker
Hope Furnace in background.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 15, 2009
4. The Hanging Rock Iron Region
Hope Furnace location shown in Vinton County.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,886 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
