Metal Ford -- Natchez Trace Parkway, Lewis Co. TN
N 35° 27.802 W 087° 28.750
16S E 456523 N 3924536
The site of Metal Ford across the Buffalo River off the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee
Waymark Code: WMWYEV
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 10/30/2017
Views: 7
The Metal Ford is located near the parking area by the Buffalo River, site of Steele's iron works which operated here about 1820.
The sign reads as follows:
"STEELE'S IRON WORKS
Here, about 1820, stood a charcoal-burning furnace used to manufacture pig iron. All that remain of this pioneer enterprise are a slagged pile and the evidence of the millrace, used to bring water from Buffalo River to operate the furnaces air blasting machinery."
Nearby, a map of the larger area shows the location of Metal Ford and the old Mill Race that supplied the iron works with water, the only traces of the pig-iron works left today.
Type of roadway? (Paved, Gravel, Dirt, Other?): Dirt
If other than explain...: The Metal Ford carried the Natchez Trace over the Buffalo River
Name of Roadway if known?: Natchez Trace
Name of Body of Water if known?: Buffalo River
|