The Iron Industry of The Northwest Corner
Join Great Mountain Forest and Dick Paddock, president of the Friends of Beckley Furnace, for a conversation about the history of the iron industry and how this industry brought people to our northwest corner. Dick will speak on all aspects of the industry from the geologic underpinnings favoring rich iron deposits to the charcoal needed to fuel the furnaces. We will take a look at the life of the colliers that worked in our surrounding forests to make charcoal and discuss historic African American involvement in the charcoaling industry. Dick will also present the significance of iron in the era, from supplying the revolution to local innovators of the industry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the history that shaped our northwest towns.
