Issue With This Marker?
Report an IssueBuena Vista Furnace
1010
KY 5 at Straight Creek Rd., near Ashland
Built by William Foster and Co. in 1847, 21/4 miles west, named for Mexican War battle that year. It was an important factor in the Hanging Rock iron industry until dismantled in 1876. Its 1874 iron production was 4113 tons. Stone stack was 40 feet high with a maximum inner diameter of 10 ft., and burned charcoal. See over. Marker presented by Armco Steel Corp.
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.