Fitchburg Furnace Interpretive Site
Fitchburg Furnace was constructed in 1868 and operated at the peak of the iron industry. In 1870, with 250 men, Fitchburg produced 900 tons of pig iron. Its venture was cut short in 1875. Its intricate architectural design places it among the top 25 dry-stone masonry structures worldwide and portions of the furnace remain standing to this day. At 81 feet tall, the dual-stack furnace is considered the largest charcoal iron furnace in the world and was the last of such furnaces to be built in America. The interpretive site is located off Fitchburg Road (KY 975) in Estill County and provides designated parking, visitor information, picnic tables and trash collection.
General Information
This site is a stop on Kentucky's Historic Ironworks Industry: A Self-Led Auto Tour.
Open year-round
Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
No Fees are required for this site.
Address: 2375 KY 801 South Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: 606-784-6428
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.73271016
Longitude: -83.85246073
Directions
From Stanton:
Take KY 213 south about 13 miles; turn left on KY 52E and go about 3 miles; turn left on KY 1182 (Cobhill Road). Take an immediate left on KY 975 (Fitchburg Road). Continue on KY 975 about 3 miles. The furnace is on the left.
Note: The roads to Fitchburg Furnace are narrow and winding.
From Richmond:
Take KY 52 east about 19 miles. In Ravenna, stay on Main Street/Miller Creek Road (KY 1571) for about 6 miles. Turn left on KY 52 and travel west about 1.5 miles. Turn right on KY 1182 (Cobhill Road); take an immediate left on KY 975 (Fitchburg Road). Continue on KY 975 about 3 miles. The furnace is on the left.
Parking
Parking is available at the site.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
A few picnic tables are available.
