Illinois Furnace - Elizabethtown, IL
N 37° 29.960 W 088° 19.681
16S E 382612 N 4151095
A community of about 100 families grew up around the Illinois Furnace in the mid-1800's to run and support the furnace. The furnace was closed in 1883 and the town quickly died. Today the only remains are the furnace itself.
Waymark Code: WM4XJC
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/10/2008
Views: 38
From the informational sign at the furnace:
"Several men were required to operate the Illinois Furnace, to keep it supplied with charcoal, ore and limestone, and to haul the iron pigs to Elizabethtown. A community of 100 families grew up around the furnace. Most of the workmen had come from the East where the iron industry had developed in America.
A post office named Illinois Furnace was established on October 2, 1846. The community also had the usual company store, saloon, and tavern or boarding house. The sports and pastimes of the residents were somewhat rough and included bouts with the Irish Shillalah. Jugs of whiskey were often wagered at these contests.
The Illinois Furnace operation became unprofitable as more efficient iron production methods were developed and richer ore fields were found in the Great Lakes Region. The decline of the furnace and rapid abandonment of the community it supported began as the last fires flickered and died in 1883. An era had ended.
Reason for Abandonment: Economic
Date Abandoned: 01/01/1883
Related Web Page: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
Please include a unique picture or two with your log if possible.