Washington Furnace

Washington Furnace

38.835918, -82.599438

Washington Furnace was built in 1851 by John Peters. He superintended the construction of the furnace. He was a part owner in the furnace, along with Samuel McConnnel, Isaac Peters, John Cambell, W.M. Bowles, and Thomas McGovney.

Per J.P. Lesley, the ch fn was owned by J. Peters & Co., S. McConnell financial agent, and managed by William Colvin. In thirty seven weeks of 1857 the fn produced 1,967 of iron out of limestone coal measure ores.

Geological Survery of Ohio, 1871
Washington Township – In this township is located Washington Furnace in section 2. The furnace is nearly in the middle, from west to east, of the “limestone ore” belt, and consequently is very largely supplied with the limestone ore. “Top hill” ore is found on some of the higher points to the east, but no exact measurements were made. It was estimated by Dr. McGoverny, the Superintendent of the Furnace, to be about 30 feet above the New Castle seam o coal. This furnace is owned by the Union Iron Company, and was built in 1853. The height of the stack is 38 feet; diameter at top of boshes is 11 feet; height of hearth is 6 feet; uses 2 twyers, each 4 inches in diameter; temperature of blast is estimated at 800 degrees; uses Davis’ hot blast.

The cemetery is located, as usual, on the hill behind the furnace. On Find a Grave, it’s listed as “Blackfork Cemetery.”

Have questions? Contact Nicole Cox at (740) 646-4104. We hope to see you there!

COVID-19 Information: Serving our community SAFELY is our #1 priority during this difficult time. The Museum is open and operating with certain restrictions, such as occupancy limits and increased sanitization practices. We encourage you to visit wearing a mask and practicing safe social distancing. Docents are available to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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About Lawrence County, Ohio

Lawrence County, Ohio borders the Ohio River at the Southernmost part of the state. Six architecturally interesting bridges span the Ohio River, connecting Lawrence County with various locations in both Kentucky and West Virginia. Because of these bridges, metropolitan Ashland, KY and Huntington, WV are just minutes away from virtually anywhere in the county.

Lawrence County Ohio was organized December 20, 1816, the first Court of Common Pleas was organized March 4, 1817. In 2016, Lawrence County celebrated its Bicentennial… click here to view photos of the Grand Finale event.

The first election was held April 7, 1817, with Joseph Davidson, Joel Bowen, and David Spurlock elected county commissioners. Their first meeting was held Monday afternoon, April 21, 1817, at the home of Joseph Davidson in Burlington.

Lawrence County, Ohio was named after Capt. James Lawrence, a native of Burlington, NJ and a gallant naval officer of the War of 1812.

Lawrence County was home to 23 blast furnaces and was once the world leader in pig iron production.

The county seat is Ironton, where you will find our government offices, restaurants, museum, library, splash park, civic organizations, and is home of the famous Memorial Day Parade.

Check out what’s new in Lawrence County, with the Lawrence County Guide Book. 

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