Nash Iron Works

First iron furnace in Texas. Built by Jefferson S. Nash, who came here in 1846. He found much iron ore, wood for charcoal, and clay to make molds. From ridge back of the furnace, charcoal and ore were poured down the smokestack. Under the furnace grate, melted iron collected in a puddle, to be put into molds for shaping farm tools, cooking pots, smoothing irons, and-- in the Civil War-- cannon balls and possibly guns. Nash had difficulty securing machinery, workers, capital, and transportation. In the 1800s, at least 16 iron works operated in East Texas.

Nash Iron Works is a historical marker in Jefferson, Marion County, dedicated in 1965. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in Marion County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 132 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.8253, -94.6151 near Jefferson. The nearest cataloged historic site is unknown (Warlock) (cemetery), about 0.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Mims Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery, Cedar Grove, and Pyland Cemetery #2.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5315008075. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.