Mt. Torry Furnace, Iron furnace in Augusta County, Virginia
Mt. Torry Furnace is a stone iron furnace in the George Washington National Forest near Waynesboro. The structure was built with thick stone walls and includes functional elements such as a tap arch and a charging bridge for moving materials into the furnace.
The furnace was built in 1804 and initially used older iron production methods. It was reactivated during the Civil War to provide metal for Confederate forces and continued operation until 1884.
The furnace represents the beginnings of American iron production and shows how works adapted their methods over time. Visitors can see today how early metalworkers shaped this landscape through their craft.
The site is located southwest of Waynesboro and is accessible by road through the national forest. Since it sits in a wooded setting, wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the immediate surroundings.
The furnace features a notable technical detail for its era: a wide tap arch reinforced with metal supports. This design allowed workers to drain molten iron in a controlled manner, improving efficiency during operations.
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