Click here to enable the accessibility widget for this website (Can also be opened using the Alt+9 Key)

Issue With This Marker?

Report an Issue
County: Greenup

Bellefonte Furnace

Marker Number: 

1020

Location: 

Greenup-Boyd Co. line, KY 5

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 101/2 ft. In 1874, a typical year, produced 3600 tons of iron. Operated until 1893, leaving an accumulated slag heap of 300,000 tons. See over.

Reverse Description:

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. Old charcoal furnace era ended by depletion of ore and timber and the growth of railroads. See over.

Subjects: