Newport in Campbell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Licking Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky

Photographed By P. A. Miller, May 14, 2009

1. Licking Furnace/Iron Made in Kentucky Marker

Inscription. Built three blocks east in 1859 by Swift's Iron and Steel Works. As rebuilt in 1869, it was 65 feet high, with a maximum diameter inside of 16 feet. Its annual capacity was 17,000 tons of iron, using Connellsville coke as fuel. Iron mostly converted to steel at same works. Furnace ceased operating by 1888. See over.

(reverse):
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, and munitions throughout the northern and western portions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

Erected 1971 by the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Department of Highways. Presented by Newport Works Interlake. (Marker Number 1395.)

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 1859.

Location. 39° 5.345′ N, 84° 30.045′ W. Marker is in Newport, Kentucky, in Campbell County. Marker is on West 5th Street (Kentucky

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Route 8), in the median. Located on the triangle formed by the split of West 4th and West 5th Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newport KY 41071, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the Dan Beard Riverwalk Trail (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bridging the Licking (about 500 feet away); Steel Town (about 600 feet away); Barrels of Beer (about 700 feet away); Newport Barracks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Licking River (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Newport Barracks (approx. ¼ mile away); James Taylor, Newport's Founder (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.

Photographed By P. A. Miller, May 14, 2009

2. Licking Furnace/Iron Made in Kentucky Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2011, by P. A. Miller of Richmond, California. This page has been viewed 767 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2011, by P. A. Miller of Richmond, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.