Near Magnolia in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Site, Aetna Furnace

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 31, 2016

1. Site, Aetna Furnace Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Built in 1816, first iron furnace in western half of Kentucky. Salt and iron sought by early settlers. Charles Wilkins, Ruggles Whiting, and Jacob Holderman were partners in this furnace until 1826, when Holderman became the sole owner. Property included 10,500 acres of land. Furnace operated until the 1850’s. Holderman family cemetery located near site of furnace.

Erected 1966 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 949.)

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 Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.

Location. 37° 23.107′ N, 85° 46.025′ W. Marker is near Magnolia, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 31E and Aetna Furnace Highway (Kentucky Highway 936), on the right when traveling north on U.S. 31E. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Magnolia KY 42757, 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

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crow flies. Early Gunpowder Mill (approx. 2.7 miles away); On Washington's Guard (approx. 2.7 miles away); An Indian Ambush (approx. 7½ miles away); Bacon Creek Bridge (approx. 7½ miles away); a different marker also named Bacon Creek Bridge (approx. 7½ miles away); Bacon Creek Trestle (approx. 7½ miles away); Grave of Frontiersman / South Fork Baptist Church (approx. 8.4 miles away); Iron in Green County / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 9.3 miles away).

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 31, 2016

2. Site, Aetna Furnace Marker

View to south with Aetna Furnace Highway (SH 936) on the left and US 31E on the right

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 648 times since then and 139 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.