Valley Furnace in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Valley Furnace

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

1. Valley Furnace Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Iron ore was discovered here, 1835, by John Johnson. The Old Iron Furnace, built, 1848, was operated for six years by C.W. Bryant and Isaac Marsh. In 1850, a steam engine replaced the water power used to run fan air blast. Charcoal was fuel used. About 9,000 pounds of iron were produced daily. The iron was hauled by mule team 50 miles to the Monogahela River near Fairmont for shipment by boat to down-river markets.

Erected 1965 by West Virginia Historic Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 39° 11.77′ N, 79° 52.017′ W. Marker is in Valley Furnace, West Virginia, in Barbour County. Marker is on State Highway 38, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moatsville WV 26405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Jonathan Minear (approx. 7½ miles away); Randolph County / Tucker County

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(approx. 8½ miles away); Seneca Trail (approx. 8.8 miles away); Capture of St. George / Imboden’s Expedition (approx. 9 miles away); St. George (approx. 9 miles away); Saint George Academy (approx. 9.3 miles away); Site of Army of Occupation Office (approx. 9.7 miles away); First Land Battle (approx. 9.7 miles away).

Also see . . . Antebellum Iron Works in Western Virginia. Photo of the furnace ruins in better days, plus a detailed look at the iron industry in the state. (Submitted on August 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Valley Furnace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 5, 2022

2. Valley Furnace

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 5, 2022

3. Valley Furnace Marker

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

4. Valley Furnace Marker

Furnace Ruins image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

5. Furnace Ruins

Water Power for Furnace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

6. Water Power for Furnace

Originally water was diverted from a nearby stream to power air blast machines at the furnace.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,284 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.