Fitchburg Furnace Interpretive Site

During the 1830s, Kentucky was the third largest iron producer in the country. Today, the remnants of iron furnaces stand as monuments to the past, reminding us of once bustling communities associated with these industrial developments. These furnaces produced household products, construction supplies, industrial parts, and ammunition for the War of 1812. Learn more about Kentucky's Iron Furnaces: A Self-Led Auto Tour.

Ambitious entrepreneurs began construction in 1868 and celebrated the first blast in 1870. Fitchburg was part of the larger Red River Iron Manufacturing Company, previously Red River Iron Works. Its owners utilized new technology, developing a hot blast furnace that used boilers to build up gas pressure for higher temperature. Fitchburg is the world's largest dual-stack furnace. In 1870, with 250 men, Fitchburg produced 900 tons of pig iron. Its venture was cut short in 1875, costing out-of-state investors more than $1 million at that time.

The historic Fitchburg Furnace was constructed in 1868 and operated at the peak of the iron industry. It was the last charcoal iron smelting furnace built in America. Standing 81 feet tall, the furnace is considered the largest charcoal furnace in the world. Its intricate architectural design places it among the top 25 dry-stone masonry structures worldwide.

Iron furnaces are historic sites and protected by law - removal of artifacts (including slag) is illegal. These sites are also fragile and unstable; climbing is strictly prohibited at all sites and fenced boundaries are to be respected.

The furnace is located on Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest.