Bellefonte in Boyd County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Bellefonte Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 30, 2018
1. Bellefonte Furnace side of marker
Bellefonte Furnace. The most successful of pioneer Kentucky charcoal furnaces in the Hanging Rock Iron Region. Built by Archibald Paull, George Poague and others in 1826. Its stone stack was 34 feet high with a maximum inner diameter of 10½ feet. In 1874, a typical year, produced 3600 tons of iron. Operated until 1893, leaving an accumulated slag heap of 300,000 tons.
Iron Made in Kentucky. A major producer since 1791, Kentucky ranked 3rd is U.S. in 1830s, 11th in 1965. Charcoal timber, native ore, limestone supplied material for numerous furnaces making pig iron, utensils, munitions in the Hanging Rock, Red River, Between Rivers, Rolling Fork, and Green River Regions. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads.
Erected 1967 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways, and Armco Steel Corp. (Marker Number 1020.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.
Location. 38° 29.517′ N, 82° 41.281′ W. Marker is in Bellefonte, Kentucky, in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Bellefonte Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 0.9 miles away); A First in Steel (approx. 1.2 miles away); Amanda Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 1.6 miles away); Booker T. Washington School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Ironton Tanks / Tanks Memorial Stadium (approx. 2˝ miles away in Ohio); Tanks Memorial Stadium Opening Day Nov. 25, 1926 (approx. 2˝ miles away in Ohio); Elizabeth Roseberry Mitchell's Graveyard Quilt Top (approx. 2.7 miles away); Ashland Veterans Mural (approx. 2.7 miles away).
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 30, 2018
2. Iron Made in Kentucky Marker side of marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 30, 2018
3. Bellefonte Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 529 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 18, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
