Munfordville in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Henry Clay Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky
Henry Clay Furnace
Built 7¼ miles east in 1832 by Aylette Hartswell Buckner, S.V. Leedom, Cadwallader Churchill. A stone stack about 35 ft. high, 9 ft. across at widest inside, it burned charcoal fuel to produce pig iron and utensils from local ore. Its air-blast machinery was powered by a water wheel. Its operations were discontinued in 1837. See the other side.
(reverse)
Iron Made in Kentucky
A major producer since 1791, Ky. ranked 3rd in US 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, Green River Regions. Charcoal-furnace era ended in 1880s with depletion of ore and timber and use of modern methods. Over.
Erected 1971 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1390.)
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 1832.
Location. 37° 16.31′ N, 85° 53.445′ W. Marker is in Munfordville, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 31W) and East Union Street (State Highway 357), on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Located on the southwest corner of the Hart County Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Munfordville KY 42765, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Boone's Grave (within shouting distance of this marker); Hart County, 1819 (within shouting distance of this marker); Church-Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); William Clark and Family (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hart County (within shouting distance of this marker); Hart County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Remembering the Sacrifices of War (within shouting distance of this marker); A Remarkable Kentucky Family (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Munfordville.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 895 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 28, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.