Built in 1816, Aetna Furnace was the first iron furnace in the western half of Kentucky. Early settlers sought salt and iron in the area. Charles Wilkins, Ruggles Whiting, and Jacob Holderman were partners in the furnace until 1826, when Holderman became the sole owner. The property included 10,500 acres of land. The furnace operated until the 1850’s, and the Holderman family cemetery is located near the site of the furnace.