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Karthaus Furnace 2005

Karthaus Furnace Tuyere Opening 2005

Karthaus - is on the edge of a public school grounds along Mosquito Creek (Little Moshannon Creek), in Karthaus, Karthous Township. It was built by Peter Karthaus in 1817. Bog ore, brought up the river from Buttermilk Falls in flatboats and canoes, fed this furnace. Karthaus and his partner, Geisenheimer, operated the plant until 1822 making 100 tons of pig iron. After a long shutdown the furnace was reactivated in 1837. Between 1837 and 1839 400 tons of iron were made, all of which was taken down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and part of it lost in navigation. Obstructions in the river and long distances from market were difficulties which made iron production unprofitable. In 1839 the furnace was abandoned(s&t).According to Sharp & Thomas it was in almost perfect condition in the early 60's. however when visited in 2003 (sm) and 2005 (is) one side was intact, but parts of the other three sides were collapsed. The ground level opening could be entered to explore the inner bosh. (P)(V)(sm-2003)
The furnace sets below the road as it sweeps around the school yard on the edge of a public school grounds in Karthaus. According to s&t it was in almost perfect condition in the early 60's. In 2003 and again in 2005 the furnace was visited and found it to be in fairly good shape. One side with opening was complete with portions of the other three sides fallen down. The ground level archways were open and could be entered to explore the inner bosh. (P)(V)(sm-2003)(im-2005). The coordinates for this furnace were confirmed by Stephen Markey in 2003 an Ian Straffin in 2005.
GPS coordinates N41º 07.254' W78º 06.762'(is-2005), Elev 957 feet (sm-2003).
Clearfield County Special Sources:
Ian Straffin (is) Karthaus Furnace pictures, GPS verification
Steven Markey (sm) Karthause Furnace GPS reading

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