Ross Furnace, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

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Ross - This well preserved furnace is along Tubmill Creek in Fairfield Township. It was built in 1814 or 1815 by James Paull, J. D. Mathiot, and Isaac Meason. This furnace was blown out in 1842(jm) but was reported to be in blast in 1850(s&t). The furnace sets near a green on the Ross Mountain Golf Course and is well taken care of. The outer walls are in perfect condition, but the upper part of the inner stack has been rebuilt and does not have the smooth appearance that the lower part has(s&t). It is easily seen from the road and is on a golf course. (P)(V)(rp 1978, jm-2003, rp-2004).Ross furnace is easily seen from the road and the golf course. Take PA711 to West Fairfield. Turn southeast onto Ross Mountain Road. Continue 3.2 miles to the junction with SR1007, Ross Mountain Park Road. Turn left on Ross Mountain Park Road to near the far end of the golf course. Turn left onto Lower Club Road. The furnace is to the right about 100 yards next to a green. You can also continue on Ross Mountain Park Road to the end of the golf course and see the furnace by looking left. "The outer walls are in perfect condition, but the upper part of the inner stack has been rebuilt and is not smooth"(s&t).
GPS coordinates 40º 19.550N - 79º 05.405'W. (rp-2004)

Ross Furnace October 2004
View from fairway looking northeast
Ross Furnace - October 2004View from fairway looking North
Foss Furnace - October 2004
View from green lookinh northwest
Ross Furnace Special Sources:
A Guide to the Old Stone Blast Furnaces of Western Pennsylvania, Myron B. Sharp and William H. Thomas (s&t)
Sharon Frizzell
Margo Hollingsworth
Copyright © Richard Parks, January 15 , 2010