The Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU in cooperation with the Buffalo/Duck River Resource Conservation & Development District, with funding from the United States Forest Service, is beginning a project to explore and interpret these resources both individually and collectively.

Under the working title of the “Iron Furnace Trail Project,” we are in the process of collecting research and photographing these sites this spring.  We are well aware, from a conference held on this topic at Montgomery Bell State Park last April, that many individuals and groups are also interested in this topic and have information associated with specific furnaces.  We would very much appreciate your assistance as we collect this varied research into a useful and accessible compilation.

The purpose, then, of this research phase is to have a collection that will support public awareness and permit the development of media products, such as brochures and a web site, to connect and interpret these resources.  In the fall of 2005, three workshops will be held to invite public participation and planning for these and other products, activities, and other efforts related to the “Iron Furnace Trail.”

We are interested in any additional information that you may have on the Brownsport or any other furnaces that you may know about. Please contact me if you would like to help us with this project.