Buchanan Furnace facts for kids
The Buchanan Furnace is an old iron furnace located in Licking Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, in 1844. This furnace was a special type called a 'cold blast charcoal furnace'. It was quite big, measuring about 30 feet wide and 33 feet tall.
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What Was the Buchanan Furnace?
The Buchanan Furnace was a place where people made iron. It used charcoal, which is like burnt wood, as fuel. The furnace would get super hot to melt iron ore. This process created new iron that could be used for many things.
How Did It Work?
The furnace was designed to melt iron ore using a "cold blast" method. This meant that cold air was blown into the furnace. The heat came from burning charcoal. This method helped to make the iron.
How Much Iron Could It Make?
The Buchanan Furnace was very productive for its time. It could make up to 1,200 tons of iron every year! That's a lot of iron. This iron was important for building things and making tools.
Why Did It Stop Working?
The furnace operated for about 14 years. It stopped working in 1858. The main reason was that they ran out of wood. They needed a lot of wood to make charcoal for fuel. Without enough wood, the furnace couldn't keep running.
Iron Furnaces in Clarion County
Many iron furnaces were built in Clarion County. About 31 of them were built, mostly between 1840 and 1850. These furnaces were very important for the area. They provided iron for local needs. They also sent iron to big factories in Pittsburgh, where it was made into other products.
A Historic Landmark
The Buchanan Furnace is now a historic site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This means it is recognized as an important place in American history. It helps us remember how iron was made long ago.
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Buchanan Furnace
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off Pennsylvania Route 378 at the Clarion River near Callensburg, Licking Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1844 |
| Architectural style | Iron furnace |
| MPS | Iron and Steel Resources of Pennsylvania MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001129 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 06, 1991 |
