Illinois Iron Furnace Historic Site in Southern Illinois – Shawnee National Forest

Visiting Illinois Iron Furnace Historic Site in Southern Illinois

One of the places we enjoy visiting when we’re traveling through southern Illinois is the Illinois Iron Furnace Historic Site.

It’s tucked back along quiet country roads, which makes it a great place to slow down and take a break. When we can, we like to stop here for a picnic lunch and spend some time walking around the area.

The site is not far off the Ohio River Scenic Byway. You can reach it by taking Iron Furnace Road (County Road 12), making it an easy stop if you’re already exploring along the river.

History of the Illinois Iron Furnace

Originally built in 1837, this 32-foot-tall iron furnace stands on a limestone foundation and was constructed using locally quarried stone from nearby Cave-In-Rock.

The limestone blocks were dry laid, allowing the structure to expand when the furnace reached temperatures of nearly 3,000°F. In 1856, the furnace was rebuilt and enlarged to increase production.

The interior was originally constructed of sandstone and lined with firebrick brought in from Pennsylvania. During later restoration, the core was reinforced with concrete to help preserve the structure.

Iron Production and the Civil War

Operating the furnace required two shifts of around forty workers to keep it running continuously.

Using the charcoal blast method:

• Nearly 200 bushels of hardwood charcoal were needed to produce one ton of iron
• The furnace could produce up to nine tons of iron every 24 hours

The iron produced here was cast into “pigs” and transported along the Ohio River to be used in manufacturing goods and weapons, including those needed during the Civil War.

This furnace is notable for being one of the few completely native iron operations in Illinois, using local materials and resources.

Although it continued to operate at times after the Civil War, the furnace officially ceased operation in 1887.

Restoration and Preservation

Less than 50 years after it closed, parts of the furnace were dismantled and used for embankment material at the Hog Thief Creek Bridge.

In 1967, the furnace was reconstructed by the U.S. Forest Service through the Golconda Job Corps Center, helping preserve it as a historic site for visitors today.

Our Visit to the Iron Furnace

We’ve always enjoyed stopping here because of how quiet and tucked away it feels.

The surrounding area offers:

• A peaceful setting for a picnic
• Open space to walk around and explore
• A nearby stream that adds to the scenery

On warmer days, you’ll often find people enjoying the water just across the road.

It’s not a large site, but it’s one that’s easy to enjoy if you take a little time to slow down.

Information for Visiting Illinois Iron Furnace

Nearby Places to Explore:

Check out all our Civil War post

Have You Visited This Site?

Have you stopped at the Illinois Iron Furnace before? It’s one of those quiet places that’s easy to miss—but worth the stop if you’re nearby.

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