Cloverdale 1

Also Known As

Tayloe's (Taylor's) Furnace

Dates of Operation

Evidence suggests that this furnace was in operation as early as 1787.

History

"Cloverdale Charcoal Furnace, No. 1, last owned by General Taylor, situated eighteen miles southwest of Buchanan, on the macadamized Valley Turnpike, 10 miles south of Fincastle, was built about 1830 and abandoned about 1849." (Lesley 1859, 72 See References)

Cloverdale Furnace Number 1 is often confused in references with Cloverdale Furnace Number 2 which is located on Back Creek Road (Rt. 640) at the community of Spec (Fringer) approximately 1/2 way between Nace and Lithia. Cloverdale Furnace Number 2 was made popular during the Civil War because of the quality of iron that it provided to the Tredegar Iron Works. This furnace, Cloverdale Number 1, was out of blast by this time.

Location

This furnace no longer exists. The site and race are all on private property, although the site of the furnace can be seen easily from the road. The site is located within 200 yds of the mill site which is located near the intersection of Rt. 11 and the northern entrance to Updike Ln. on the northwestern side of Updike Ln. A retaining wall and some evidence of the race still exist. Evidence of the race can be traced to a dam beneath the I-81 overpass at Tinker Creek. Gibson Lane once had a small bridge that crossed over the race, just up from its intersection with Rt. 11.

A map and more exact location is forthcoming.

A historical marker is located just across Route 11 from the site beside the northbound lane.

Location Access

Observation available from public road.

Category 4 Access: Private property.
Locations for which no permission has been granted for visitation.

A complete list of all access categories may be found here.

At all sites, respect the property of others. Please remember that permission must be granted prior to entering private, posted or restricted properties. Industrial artifacts remain at many locations. Regardless of size, each artifact represents a bit of history; look but please do not remove. (Access System adapted from: Kirby 1998, 93 See References)