Janney Furnace

Montgomery businessman Alfred A. Janney constructed the furnace, reportedly using slaves brought from Tennessee by a "Dr. Smith." It was completed and ready to produce pig iron when, on July 14, 1864, a Union cavalry raiding force of 2,300 men led by Major General Louvell H. Rousseau crossed the Coosa River at Ten Islands Ford en route to destroy the railroad between Montgomery and West Point, Georgia. After learning the furnace's location, Rousseau dispatched his Engineer Officer, Captain Ed Ruger, and a detachment to destroy its chimney, leaving the stone structure in place, and they also burned all wooden buildings intended to support its operation.

Ohatchee, Alabama · United States