Union Furnace, Ohio facts for kids
Union Furnace is a small, unincorporated community in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does. It's located in the northern part of Starr Township.
This community has its own post office with the ZIP code 43158. You can find Union Furnace along Ohio State Route 328, which is the main road that runs through the area.
The Story of Union Furnace
The name "Union Furnace" comes from a special kind of factory called a blast furnace. This furnace was built in the 1850s right in this area.
What Was a Blast Furnace?
A blast furnace was a huge, tall oven used to make iron from iron ore. Workers would put iron ore, coke (a type of fuel made from coal), and limestone into the top of the furnace. Then, hot air was "blown" (or blasted) into the bottom. This intense heat would melt the iron ore, separating the pure iron from other materials. The melted iron would then flow out, ready to be used for tools, machines, and many other things.
Early Days and the Post Office
The blast furnace was very important for the community in the 1800s. It helped the area grow. A post office was opened in Union Furnace in 1873. This meant people living there could send and receive mail, connecting them to the rest of the world.
