First Iron Furnace

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

The first iron furnace west of the Allegheny Mountains was established by Peter Tarr on King's Creek, in Hancock County. The exact date the furnace was built is not known, but is believed to be between 1790-1794. The capacity of the iron furnace was small, being able to produce no more than two tons per day. Pots, skillets, and other horsehold utensils were the typical products produced, but in the furnace was also used to cast cannon balls used by Commodore Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.