Moratock Park

Moratock Park is a protected area containing the remains of a 19th-century iron furnace spread across about 9 acres along the Dan River. The site sits near Highway 89 and displays the physical structures that once powered industrial operations in the region.

The furnace was built in 1843 and served as a major production center for the region for several decades. Union cavalry forces under George Stoneman destroyed it in 1865 during operations in the final year of the Civil War.

The furnace represented a vital part of the region's economic identity and connected the community to a broader industrial network. Today, walking through the park shows how manufacturing shaped local life and prosperity.

The park can be accessed through marked trails that connect from the main entrance near Highway 89. These pathways guide visitors past the historical remains and allow exploration of the site at a natural pace.

The furnace was notably powered by a dam on the Dan River that served both industrial and agricultural purposes simultaneously. This dual function reveals how manufacturing and farming interests were intertwined in the local economy.

Location: North Carolina

GPS coordinates: 36.40800,-80.19900

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02