Last updated on March 3, 2026
The Cherry Valley Coke Ovens consist of 200 disused beehive coke ovens constructed by the Leetonia Iron and Coal Company in Leetonia, Ohio.
The Cherry Valley Coke Ovens consist of 200 disused beehive coke ovens constructed circa 1866 by the Leetonia Iron and Coal Company in Leetonia, Ohio. 3 4 5 Built to convert coal into coke, the ovens produced a fuel that was between 86 and 93% carbon, capable of burning with a clean, intense heat when charged into pig-iron blast furnaces. 1 This process supported the region’s early iron and steel production during the post–Civil War industrial expansion.
Following the bankruptcy of the Leetonia Iron & Coal Company in 1873, operations were assumed by the Cherry Valley Iron Works. 6 At their peak around 1900, the ovens produced more than 70,000 tons of coke annually.
The development of byproduct coke ovens in the early twentieth century rendered the beehive design obsolete. 2 Unlike the older ovens, byproduct systems captured chemical derivatives such as ammonia, light oil, and tar—materials that contributed to the rise of modern chemical and plastics industries—and yielded approximately 75% more coke per ton of coal.
Economic pressures during the Great Depression led to the closure of the Leetonia ovens. In 1982, the site was donated to the village for use as a public park, which opened in 1986. 5 The ovens were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, recognized as one of the largest surviving intact groups of beehive coke ovens in North America. 7
Sources
- Washlaski, Ryan P. “Manufacture of Coke.” Pennsylvania Iron Furnace Sourcebook, article.
- “Coke Ovens [Bituminous Coal] Historical Marker.” Explore PA History, article.
- “Leetonia Cherry Valley Coke Ovens”. Village of Leetonia.
- Wilkinson, D. A. “Leetonia seeks to expand historical site.” Vindicator [Youngstown], 9 May 2010.
- Tullis, Nancy.” Cherry Valley Coke Ovens Park seeks $5,500 for storm damage.” Vindicator [Youngstown], 9 Aug. 2003.
- Carey, Miriam, and Ian Adams. Backroads of Ohio: Your Guide to Ohio’s Most Scenic Backroad Adventures. Voyageur, 2007, p. 68.
- Greier, Mary Ann. “Leetonia coke ovens earn prestigious award.” Morning Journal [Lisbon], 30 Oct. 2010.
Grape vines grew huge once and the grape vines woods is making a reappearance especially in parks. They were used to make charcoal on both a small and large scale way. You can roll up some vines containing maybe a bit of anthracite coal and maybe copper wire to ornament your brazier. Louis XIV was interested.Imagine a vine three to four feet at the vase, 200 feet high with snakes dropping on livestock. i.m sure they had a presence here.