Henry Clay Furnace

Henry Clay Furnace is a stone structure in Cooper's Rock State Forest shaped like a truncated pyramid with a square footprint. The building demonstrates the engineering design typical of blast furnaces from this industrial era.

The furnace was built in the mid-1830s and was one of the first installations of its kind in the region. Its operational period ended in the 1840s, reflecting broader economic shifts of that time.

The site once served as the center of a small community that provided essential services to people living in the area during its working years. Today visitors can explore the remains of this settlement and understand how people existed together in this remote location.

The site is reachable via a marked hiking trail that includes steep sections and requires sturdy footwear. Visitors should be prepared for wooded terrain and check weather conditions before heading out.

The operation relied on a transportation network that moved materials from scattered mining sites across the surrounding hills. This logistical effort reveals how challenging it was to source raw materials in this remote mountain setting.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 39.64890,-79.81860

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44