This historic structure was built at the peak of the iron industry in 1868. The furnace once produced high-quality iron used for railroad wheels and rails.
As you roam the grounds and explore this innovative construction, enjoy the opportunity . . . — — Map (db m131603) HM
Welcome to what was once the Fitchburg Furnace Community--a bustling settlement that made its living from the iron and wood resources of these mountains. Fitchburg had mills, shops, and homes for more than 100 families, all engaged in the smelting . . . — — Map (db m131604) HM
Each furnace operation was normally a self-contained community, known as an iron plantation, under the direction of an iron master, usually the owner. Under his direction several types of skilled laborers took part in the overall operation. Miners . . . — — Map (db m131607) HM
The casting house was a wooden shed, which covered the sand moulds where the iron was run. Note the depression in the stone directly above the archway, which probably held the roof of the shed. Long trenches, sloping gradually from the front of the . . . — — Map (db m131609) HM
"Give er fire." This cry ran through the woods as colliers tended huge piles of charring wood, which would be used as fuel at Fitchburg Furnace. Colliers, men who made charcoal, built many coal pits or hearths throughout the mountains during the . . . — — Map (db m131610) HM
Only Civil War battle in this area. Col. John S. Scott, CSA, and troops arrived here July 30, 1863, with plan to capture 14th Ky. Cavalry. Held Irvine only a few hours. Col. W. P. Sanders, USA, and his force pursued Scott, capturing some of rear . . . — — Map (db m136806) HM
For Captain James Estill, gallant soldier and frontiersman. Fought one of bloodiest Indian battles, Estill's Defeat, on March 22, 1782, in what is now Montgomery County. He and 7 of his 25 pioneers were killed in violent combat with a band of . . . — — Map (db m136805) HM
Estill Seminary
This site approved for Jefferson Seminary by act of Ky. General Assembly in February 1798. Name was changed to Estill Seminary, February 3, 1816. Trustees given authority to sell half of unclaimed lands, granted for educational . . . — — Map (db m136807) HM
Mineral springs visited by Boone, Boyle, McAfee and other pioneers. Early camp of Shawnee Indians. First school of early settlers located here. Operated as resort, 1814 until hotel burned 1924. In 1861, owner Col. Sidney M. Barnes organized 8th Ky. . . . — — Map (db m136947) HM
Named, 1812, for Col. Wm. Irvine, member from Madison Co. of 1787 and 1788 conventions that sought separation from Va. and statehood for Ky.; member of Constitutional Convention, 1799. "He had strong hold on affection of people. Few have gone to . . . — — Map (db m136804) HM
Red River Iron Works Blackstone and Chandler Furnaces, a single stone structure 60 ft. high, 40 x 60 ft. Twin stacks 50 ft. high, 12 ½ ft. across inside. Three miles north. Built in 1869 by Sam Worthley, designed by Fred Fitch, with . . . — — Map (db m169099) HM
In that crucial battle of the Chattanooga campaign, Nov. 25, 1863, Capt. John C. Wilson and 5 others from Estill Co., of 8th Ky. Inf., answered call for volunteers to plant U.S. flag on Lookout Mtn. Reaching summit in sight of both armies, they . . . — — Map (db m136803) HM
Indian Trading Post and camping ground. Called "Ah-wah-nee," a grassy place, by the Shawnees who hunted here and obtained their lead supply in this vicinity. In 1769, Daniel Boone, Squire Boone, and Joseph Proctor were first of many pioneers to use . . . — — Map (db m136802) HM