
Abandoned Ruins of the Ardis Furnace: Iron Mountain, Michigan
In Iron Mountain sit the remains of a pig iron furnace, built in 1908. It was constructed by John T. Jones in order to test the Step Furnace Process he developed. It’s purpose was to extract pure iron from low-grade ore.
The Ardis furnace was doing very well – so well, in fact, that Jones began receiving offers for his patent. MILLION DOLLAR offers. But Jones held fast and refused to sell his patent.
He may have regretted that decision as time went on.

As time marched on, things started to break down and malfunction. The firebrick lining was failing to tolerate the heat, so consultants were brought in. They offered some help that succeeded, but the main problem remained. Jones eventually spent all his money trying to save it but his efforts were all for naught. In two years he was broke: he lost his house, his savings, and all possessions.
Afterward, the furnace was dismantled and sold for scrap.
During the 1970s, someone decided it would be a good idea to just plain demolish the rest of the furnace. Well, it WASN’T a good idea, and that idea was rejected after the Menominee Range Historical Foundation sent out petitions to save it. It was finally purchased by the Hanna Mining Company.
In 1972 the Ardis Furnace found its way onto the National Register of Historic Places.
Abandoned Ardis Furnace, Iron Mountain
MORE ABANDONED MICHIGAN RUINS:
Ruins of the Quincy Mine Buildings
The Ruins of Governor Chase Osborn's Sugar Island Retreat
Ruins of the Ahmeek Stamp Mill, Keweenaw Peninsula
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