Catherine Furnace, 19th-century blast furnace in Page County, US.
Catherine Furnace is a 19th-century blast furnace with a pyramidal structure built from local stone, rising to about 30 feet high. Thick walls surround an internal chamber that was used for smelting iron.
This blast furnace was built in 1836 and produced high-grade pig iron for military purposes during wartime. It supplied critical materials during both the Mexican War and the American Civil War.
The complex served as a gathering point for industrial workers in the region and shaped how nearby settlements developed. People came here to work and build their lives, which changed the local community.
The furnace sits within George Washington National Forest and requires advance permission to visit. Plan to check with local authorities beforehand and consider joining a guided tour to explore the site safely and learn more about its history.
The original stonework has remained in remarkably good condition after more than 180 years. This makes it one of the best surviving examples of 19th-century iron production technology still visible today.
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