Katahdin Iron Works: A Victorian Relic Deep in the Woods

Out in the middle of Maine’s woodlands near Brownville Junction sits the remains of a Victorian iron works company town surrounded by trees, bushes, and the sound of Pleasant River.

The 55-foot high blast furnace, restored by the state in 1966, is the focal point and the amazing craftsmanship of unknown stonemasons from the mid-1800s. Nearby is the one remaining beehive-shaped charcoal kiln, also restored. In the iron works heyday, about 400 workers cut and hauled wood from the surrounding woods, and others mined iron ore from Ore Mountain.

Walking into the furnace is like walking into a complex sculpture with its various shaped stones and brick work.

Outside, small trees and vines artfully grow from the sides and tops of both furnace and kiln.

The historic site—set in wilderness and black flies, spring greens and autumn reds—is an exhibit that’s free to visitors, both human and otherwise.