Old Iron Town

Charcoal iron furnace ruins - named Iron County

State: Missouri County: Iron County Founded: 1923 (recreation) Abandoned: Original: 1850s-1873

Old Iron Town was so important to Missouri's iron industry that the county was named for it. Charcoal iron furnaces operated here before and after the Civil War. Now ruins of the 23-foot stone beehive furnace remain as part of Mark Twain National Forest.

Quick Facts

  • Iron County was named for this industry
  • 23-foot stone beehive furnace remains
  • Charcoal couldn't compete with coke
  • Civil War era production

Location

Address: Iron County, Missouri (Mark Twain NF)

Coordinates: 37.5764, -90.6381