Located 5.2 miles north of Lock Haven, in Colebrook Township, the Farrandsville Iron Furnace (also known as Lycoming Coal Co.) was completed in 1837, and was the first, and largest, coke-fired hot-blast iron furnace in North America, reaching a height of 54 feet. An excellent example of dry masonry construction, it produced 50 tons of high quality pig iron per week using equipment imported from Scotland. The first firebrick made in Pennsylvania was produced at Farrandsville.
Capitalists from Boston financed the furnace's construction starting in 1836. John Thomas likely supervised construction and John P. Salmon was the master mason. It was equipped with Scottish machinery installed by Scot James Ralston. Bituminous coal was mined at nearby Minersville and transported by inclined plane. Transportation of iron ore was from over 100 miles away via canal, but this proved difficult, as did transportation of flux from the Nittany Valley.
The financial Panic of 1837 forced the furnace to close in 1838. A brick furnace was then built on the same property and was later owned by Harbison-Walker Refractories Company who deeded it to the Clinton County Historical Society in 1951. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Do NOT go into the fenced area. Cache is accessible from outside the fencing. Parking is at the Farrandsville Community Park near the ball field......use the coords below. DO NOT park along the road OR in front of the neighboring homes.
The drive to Farrandsville is beautiful at all times of the year. The park across the road is nice (playground and tables available) and this little village is very quiet. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy!
This cache is sponsored by the Clinton County Historical Society
http://clintoncountyhistory.com