Old Iron Town, Utah – Legends of America
Iron, or rather the lack of it, played a pivotal role in the lives of pioneers who ventured to settle in the vast landscapes of Utah. From the sturdy wheels of their wagons to the indispensable Dutch ovens that provided sustenance, iron was an essential element for survival and the foundation of commerce. The region surrounding Cedar City, Utah, began to flourish following the discovery of iron ore in the southern part of the state. In response to this discovery, Brigham Young, a prominent Mormon leader, issued a call in late 1851 for volunteers to establish a colony in the area.
Nestled approximately 30 miles west of Cedar City, Iron City emerged as a result of Peter Shirts’ discovery of iron ore in early 1868. In June of that year, Ebenezer Hanks made a significant investment to establish the Union Iron Company, which would later be known as the Great Western Iron Company.
The Production of Iron in the 1800s
During the 19th century, the production of iron involved a combination of raw ore, fuel, and limestone. Iron City, surrounded by dense forests, relied on charcoal as its primary fuel source. The charcoal was produced by smoldering readily available wood in an environment devoid of oxygen. This method of using charcoal resulted in a softer and more pliable iron product. Workers would carefully stack juniper and pinyon wood inside beehive-shaped kilns and ignite fires beneath them. The process of converting the wood into charcoal was lengthy, requiring 12 days for a single kiln to produce 50 bushels of charcoal, which was sufficient to process one ton of iron ore. Iron City had two such kilns.
Limestone played a crucial role as a catalyst in melting the ore and removing impurities. As the iron was heated in a furnace, it separated, with the heavier iron sinking to the bottom and the impurities binding to the limestone, rising to the top as "slag." The furnace at Iron City had a capacity of 2,500 pounds.
The Rise and Fall of Iron City
By 1870, Iron City had a population of 97 residents living in 19 households. In addition to the furnace and two kilns, the ironworks included a pattern shop, molding shop, and a grinding device called an erastra. However, the operation was expensive and required significant capital. The Great Western Iron Company sought outside investors, who in turn brought additional labor. The influx of workers also included individuals who were not members of the conservative Mormon religion, leading to the introduction of alcohol and colorful language.
By 1871, the mining town had a post office, schoolhouse, boarding house, general store, and butcher shop. At its peak, they were producing five to seven tons of pig iron a day, supplying ore for the Utah Western Railroad, mining companies in Pioche, Nevada, and for use at the St. George LDS temple.
However, high shipping costs for larger contracts and small sales of iron items to poor Mormon settlers ultimately led to the demise of the Great Western Iron Company, and the ironworks closed in 1876. Mining iron in Iron County did not become profitable until the Columbia Steel Corporation built a blast furnace at Ironton, near Provo, Utah.
The Resurgence of Iron Mining
In 1923, the Union Pacific Railroad agreed to construct a spur line that passed through Lund, Iron Springs, and into Cedar City. This development facilitated the shipment of more than 500 tons of iron to northern Utah by rail from Iron County.
However, foreign competition and domestic tax issues resulted in a reduction of overall production by 1960, which worsened until all iron mining operations in Iron County stopped in the mid-1980s. Despite this decline, Iron County still holds one of the nation’s richest iron ore deposits, with remains of several open-pit mines dotting the hillsides.
Old Irontown State Park
Iron City was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Now known as Old Irontown State Park, what’s left of Iron City has been preserved and includes one of the two beehive kilns, furnace, and remains of the original foundry. Old Irontown can be found west of Cedar City about 24 miles on Highway 56, then turn south on Old Irontown Road. You will pass through a residential area before reaching the State Park.
The small state park is an extension of the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City and is an official site of the Iron County Centennial Circle, an auto tour that stretches from beyond Paragonah in the eastern part of the county, to Modena on the west side. The tour will take you to several historical and scenic attractions, including a small portion of the Old Spanish Trail, Parowan Heritage Park, Cedar City Rock Church, South Rim of the Great Basin Monument, Cobble Crest, and Old Iron Town.
Visiting Old Irontown Today
Today, Old Irontown stands as a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of the pioneers who sought to establish a thriving iron industry in the rugged landscapes of Utah. Visitors to the site can explore the remnants of the once-bustling town, including the impressive beehive kiln and the imposing furnace, which stand as silent reminders of the industry that once defined the region.
As you wander through the ruins of Old Irontown, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the rhythmic clang of hammers, and the determined voices of the men and women who labored tirelessly to extract iron from the earth. The site offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the challenges and triumphs of those who came before us.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Old Irontown State Park is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a journey to discover the legends of Old Iron Town, Utah.