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The Great Maine Woods and Waters Tours
Encompassing the Moosehead and Katahdin Regions
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Katahdin Iron Works
Description:
Katahdin Iron Works is a State of Maine maintained historic site that houses the remains of a blast furnace and charcoal kiln that were originally built in 1843. You can walk through the remains of the old blast furnace and imagine yourself traveling back in time to the heyday of this unique operation.
During the operation of this facility, nearly 2,000 tons of iron were produced here in the late nineteenth century. The iron ore, wood for fuel and the waterpower, all readily available, were what brought this industry to the Maine woods. In the late 1800’s, the operation had attracted 200 workers who built homes here. The community also supported a summer resort operation, the Silver Lake Hotel, that promoted the local springs with mineral rich waters as a health spa.
Season: Memorial Day – Labor Day.
Off season: The buildings are visible even during the off-season. Interpretive signage is on-site.
Special Notes of Interest:
Important Natural/Cultural/Heritage Links:
www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/mining/sites/sept03.htm
www.spccc.org/IronWorks.html
www.maine.gov/doc/parks/
www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/history/kiw/history.htm (history)
www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/history/kiw/kilns.htm (kilns)
www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/history/kiw/furnace.htm (blast furnace)
www.mainebirdingtrail.com/Birding_Moosehead.pdf
Additional Information:
Directions: From Milo: Travel Route 11 toward Millinocket. Approximately five miles north of Milo, take a left-hand turn (at the sign yet to be placed) that leads down an unpaved gravel road six miles to Katahdin Iron Works.
From Millinocket: Travel Route 11 towards Milo.
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The Maine Highlands web site is paid for in part by the Maine State Office of Tourism. Fiscal year 2004: G1003241. For additional information on Maine, call 1-888-MAINE45 or go to