Newlee Iron Furnace

The Newlee Iron Furnace, situated in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, was built from 1813 to 1835 under the direction of Martin Beaty. ¹ It was equipped with a 35-foot high limestone chimney that was lined with firebrick, and it also included a casting shed, a storehouse, and a flour mill. The furnace was charcoal-fueled and utilized a 30-foot overshot water wheel to power its air blast. It was operated on an intermittent basis by various individuals, including John G. Newlee, until approximately 1881. Throughout the Civil War, the foundry, along with its surrounding structures, served as a storage site for ammunition.

The iron produced at Newlee served different purposes; some was sold directly to local blacksmiths, while other portions were formed into 150-pound ingots, commonly referred to as “pigs.” ¹ These ingots were then transported down the Powell River to Chattanooga.

Directions: Newlee Iron Furnace is located in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.