|
Old
Iron Town Ruins
During the 1850's in hopes of increasing the self-
sufficiency of Utah, Brigham Young sent members of the Church Of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints to the Iron Mission in what is now Cedar City,
Utah. Approximately ten years after the iron works of Cedar city closed,
Peter Shirts discovered the site of Iron City. In June of 1868 Ebenezer
Hanks organized the Union Iron Company.
By 1870 the population of Iron
City had reached 97. The growing city then contained a foundry, machine
shop, brick schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and a pattern shop. Although
Iron City seemed prosperous, the Union Iron Company was unable to overcome
the obstacles created by the money panic of 1874, and the lack of
efficient transportation to the outlets in Northern Utah. The iron
operation closed in 1877. 
Charcoal
Kiln Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities Click
For Larger Picture Charcoal Kiln:
Pinyon and Juniper wood was burned in this kiln to produce a porous
residue made up of pure carbon. This residue was then burned in the
smelting process where it produced an intense heat without smoke.
After the kiln was filled to the upper door with wood, the fire was
started in the center at the bottom of the kiln. The fire was then drawn
to the top of the kiln by unsealed space that was left open around the
upper door. When this space was closed the fire was regulated by vent
holes. This burning of the wood lasted three to seven days.
Remains
Of the Furnace And Foundry Area
Taken
by Utah Outdoor Activities Click
For Larger Picture
Furnace
and Foundry: The chimney and rock walls are the remainders of the
furnace and foundry buildings. The depression that runs underneath the
remains of these walls is a ditch that was used to divert water from
Little Pinto Creek into the foundry building. 
Remains
of Second Large Furnace Taken
by Utah Outdoor Activities Click
For Larger Picture
Large
Furnace: This structure was meant to be a second, larger furnace. The
furnace was never completed. 
Spanish
Erastra Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities Click
For Larger Pictures
Spanas Arrastra : In the Arrastra, or grinding stone, iron ore was reduced in
size so that it could be used to charge the furnace. From the center post
of the Arrastra, a long tongue extended to a hitched mule. The mule pulled
a large stone. This stone moved over the ore, reducing it to the desired
size of 2 inches long. This device was also used to reduce sandstone from
the New Harmony area into sand. The sand was used in the molding house.
Old
Iron Town Ruins are located in the Dixie
National Forest via highway 56 west of Cedar City.
|
