Welcome to
Kentucky
Whispers of iron and industry echo across the forgotten landscape of Ironville, Kentucky's ghost of furnaces past.
Ironville's iron furnace was a major employer in Bath County during its peak.
The town was entirely company-owned and operated.
The iron produced in Ironville was used in various industries, including railroad construction.
Very few physical remnants of Ironville exist today, making it a true 'ghost town'.
Bath County was once known for its numerous iron furnaces, with Ironville being a significant example.
Ironville, Kentucky, located in Bath County, owes its existence entirely to the iron ore deposits discovered in the region. Founded in the mid-19th century, its primary purpose was to facilitate the production of pig iron. The town blossomed around the iron furnace, attracting workers and their families, creating a self-sufficient community complete with company housing, stores, and other essential services. Ironville provides a glimpse into Kentucky's industrial past, showcasing a period when the state attempted to capitalize on its natural resources and compete with industrial centers in other regions.
While Ironville never achieved the scale of larger industrial hubs, its story is emblematic of the boom-and-bust cycles experienced by many resource-dependent communities. The iron industry in Bath County eventually declined, leading to the gradual abandonment of Ironville. Today, little remains of the original town, but the memory of its contribution to Kentucky's industrial heritage persists. The site of the former community serves as a reminder of the labor and ambition that characterized this era of Kentucky's history. It serves as an important, tangible connection to the history of iron production in the state.
Though now a ghost town, Ironville serves as an important part of Kentucky history, teaching about resource use, industry and labor.
Partner with us to share your town with all of Kentucky — featured placement, local business highlights, and a home for your community on the map.
Partner with usGift
500 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY 41101, USA
Gift
Mobile, Ashland, KY 41101, USA
Gift
801 KY-716, Ashland, KY 41102, USA
Hairdresser
4760 Shannon Dr
Beauty
6540 Midland Trl
Beauty
4324 13th St
Beauty
1101 State Route 716
Septic Services
33 Zabrieszack Ln
Campus Building
4700 Roberts Dr
Atm
244 Donta Rd
Atm
6313 US Route 60
Atm
6601 US 60
Skilled Nursing
6938 Us Route 60
Fire And Water Damage Restoration
4446 13th St
Real Estate
7221 US Route 60
Martial Arts Club
5405 Roberts Dr
Hvac
440 Stephens Meade Rd
Car Repair
5224 State Route 5
Hardware
4909 Roberson Rd
Real Estate
1365 Raybourne Rd
Park
School
5405 Roberts Dr
Park
1142 Summitt Rd
University
4700 Roberts Dr
Business
4700 Roberts Dr
Garage Door Service
1290 Pitino Ct
General
6605 US Route 60
Sports Centre
4331 Shannon Dr
School
Livestock Breeder
207 Earl Brown Rd
Company
7349 US Route 60
Party Supply
397 Olivia Blvd
General
522 W Little Garner Rd
General
7783 State Route 503
Camp Site
69 Romeo Ridge (Section A), Naples
Gas
6009 Us Route 60
Car Repair
7505 Midland Trail Rd
Insurance
1019 State Route 716
Insurance
1019 State Route 716
Sports
5876 US Route 60
School
1100 Bob McCullough Dr
Animal Shelter
1617 Fraley Ln.
Place Of Worship
6021 Harris Rd
Police Department
7023 US Route 60
Government
US-60
School
1226 Summitt Rd
General
1016 Summitt Rd
While we prioritize independent local storefronts that carry the soul of the town, these national brands are located nearby and support local employment.
7-ELEVEN/SPEEDWAY #44077
Bank
AT&T Store
General
ATM Speedway
Atm