Madison Furnace - Lincoln Co. NC
N 35° 30.435 W 081° 09.120
17S E 486215 N 3929308
Iron Furnace circa 1820. This is located on public property
Waymark Code: WM5WZX
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 02/22/2009
Views: 15
Madison Iron works was established in Lincoln Co. NC in the early 19th century. A vein of iron ore ran throgh the area and several furnaces were established. The stone furnace is approximately 30 feet (three stories) high and remarkly remains virtually intact. At the time it operated there was also a wooded parapet that extended from the bank behind the furnace over to the furnace itself. Raw materials were hauled out on the parapet and the furnace was 'charged' by dumping the raw materials from the top. The furnace was wood fired and a large billows, powered by a water wheel, was used to 'blast' the fire to generat the heat needed for operation. Approximately 100 to 150 people were required to operate the forge and slave labor made up much of the manpower. Operations at the furnace had ceased by the time of the Civil War but were resurrected when supplies from Northern founderies became unavailable. By 1880 the furnace shut down for the final time.
Dates of Operation: Not listed
Website: Not listed
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