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Moratok Iron Furnace Park

The Moratok Iron Furnace in Danbury, North Carolina has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The furnace was built in 1847 by prominent local industrialist Charles L. Phillips. It was constructed to produce iron from the abundant local iron ore deposits in the region.

The furnace operated for several decades, playing a key role in the local economy and contributing to the growth of the iron industry in North Carolina. The iron produced at the Moratok Iron Furnace was used for various purposes, including the production of tools, machinery, and other metal products.

The furnace ceased operation in the late 19th century due to changes in the iron industry and the depletion of local ore deposits. Today, the Moratok Iron Furnace is a historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial history of North Carolina. The ruins of the furnace serve as a reminder of the important role that iron production played in the development of the region.

During the Civil War, the Moratok Iron Furnace in Danbury, North Carolina played a significant role in supporting the Confederate war effort. The furnace was in operation during the early years of the war, producing iron that was used to manufacture weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies for the Confederate army.

The iron produced at the Moratok Iron Furnace was essential for the Confederacy’s ability to sustain its war efforts, as it provided a local source of iron that was crucial for producing weapons and supplies for the troops. The iron industry in North Carolina, including furnaces like Moratok, helped to support the Confederate war machine and contributed to the overall war effort.

As the war progressed and supply lines became increasingly strained, local sources of iron like the Moratok Iron Furnace became even more important for the Confederate military. The furnace continued to operate throughout the war, playing a key role in providing the iron needed to support the Southern war effort.

Overall, the Moratok Iron Furnace’s production of iron during the Civil War was an important contribution to the Confederate war effort and highlights the role of industrial resources in supporting military operations during this tumultuous period in American history.

The picture below is an information sign mounted in front of the furnace. This shows the furnace as it appeared in it’s prime.

The furnace remains are located in a larger park area. The Dan River runs in front of the Furnace and is accessible to park visitors.

Other amenities of the park are:
Handicap Accessible
Private area for groups
Outdoor seating
Boat access
Alcohol prohibited
Parking: Free
Pet policy: Yes
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Group friendly
Tours: Self guided

You can access the park web site by click on this link.
MORATOCK DAN RIVER PARK & IRON FURNACE

Moratok Iron Furnace Park

The Reynolds Homestead is a historic estate located in Critz, Virginia. It was the birthplace of Richard Joshua Reynolds, the founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The estate was built in the late 19th century by Hardin Reynolds, father of R. J. Reynolds and was originally known as Rock Spring Plantation. Hardin Reynolds was a rather successful grower of tobacco.

The Reynolds Homestead is now a historic site and museum, offering tours that showcase the history of the Reynolds family and the impact of the tobacco industry on the region. The estate includes a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, lush gardens, and outbuildings that provide a glimpse into life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visitors can explore the grounds, take guided tours of the mansion, and learn about the history of the Reynolds family and their contributions to the tobacco industry. The Reynolds Homestead is an important landmark in the region and offers a fascinating look into the past of Critz, Virginia.

Richard Joshua Reynolds, known as R.J. Reynolds, was an American businessman and founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Born on July 20, 1850, in Rock Spring Plantation near Critz, Virginia, Reynolds came from a farming family but became interested in the tobacco trade at a young age.

Reynolds moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the late 1860s and began working in the tobacco industry. In 1875, he founded the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which quickly became a major player in the tobacco market with the introduction of his iconic brands, such as Prince Albert and Camel cigarettes.

Reynolds was known for his innovative marketing strategies, such as introducing packaged cigarettes and creating memorable advertising campaigns. His company’s success and growth made him one of the wealthiest men in the United States during his lifetime.

Reynolds was also well-known for his philanthropy, with significant contributions to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural organizations. He established the R.J. Reynolds Charitable Trust, which continues to support charitable causes to this day.

R.J. Reynolds passed away on July 29, 1918, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the tobacco industry and the philanthropic work he supported. The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company remains a prominent name in the tobacco industry, though it has gone through changes and mergers over the years.

Critz, Va

Critz is an unincorporated community located in Patrick County, Virginia, United States. It is located just a short distance north of highway 58 between Martinsville and Stuart.

The area was originally settled by Europeans in the 18th century, with the community being established around the mid-19th century. The town was named after Captain Alexander Critz, a local landowner and prominent figure in the area.

Critz was once a thriving agricultural community, with farming and livestock being the primary sources of income for residents. However, with the decline of agriculture in the region, the economy of Critz has shifted. From my observation some folks are still farming but most work in nearby larger towns.

Today, Critz remains a small, close-knit community with a population of approximately 400 residents. The area is known for its scenic beauty, near by outdoor recreational opportunities, and friendly atmosphere. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and experiencing the charm of small-town living in Critz, Virginia.

Critz, Virginia was founded in the mid-19th century, named after Captain Alexander Critz, a local landowner in the area. The exact year of the town’s founding is not readily available, but it is known to have been established during this time period. Since then, Critz has developed into a small, close-knit community with a rich history and a strong connection to its agricultural roots.

I have visited Critz. No offense but calling it a town is a very liberal use of the term town. According to my family stories, my great grandmother was born near Critz. Also R J Reynolds was born in Critz. His mansion is just around the bend. The home and grounds are open for tours.

Rules Of Life

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Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
Keep skunks, bankers, and politicians at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

If you don’t take the time to do it right, you’ll find the time to do it twice.
Don’t corner something that is meaner than you.
Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
Don’t be banging your shin on a stool that’s not in the way.
Borrowing trouble from the future doesn’t deplete the supply.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
Silence is sometimes the best answer.
Don‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you’ll ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin’.
Always drink upstream from the herd.

Good judgment comes from experience, and most of that comes from bad judgment.

Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Most times, it just gets down to common sense.

I do not know the origin of this message. If it should be removed, let me know and I will do so.

Rules Of Life

Christmas In Savannah

At Christmas seems like an unusual time to go on a vacation trip. People are wanting to spend as much time as possible with their family and friends and less time on the job. Most restaurants are closed and hotels are understaffed especially on Christmas eve.

My wife and I decided to spend a few days, including Christmas Eve, in Savannah. We expected to have some difficulty obtaining a room and finding a restaurant that would be open. Being of Irish descent, guess what…..Luck was with us.

Finding a hotel room proved rather easy. None of the hotels were closed. What we did find was that on Christmas Eve a lot of hotel rooms were empty. Not a lot of folks spend Christmas Eve in a hotel room.

The hotels had available rooms but not operating restaurant. Seems that hotel restaurants are not overly profitable even in the best of times, therefore they closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The search for an open restaurant was on.

Our room was one block from the river front. As you know, the river front is where the action is. My wife and I strolled the river front area. There were a few other folks wandering about. Many of those were in search of food.

Most, of the shops were closed…..Actually almost all. It seemed that all restaurants were closed, but we eventually found a couple that were open.

We were able to squeeze into one. Got two seats at the bar which even with the light crowd on the street, the bar was crowded. The young lady taking care of the bar was very busy, but at the same time she seemed under control and very friendly to all of the customers . We later found out that most of the employees did not show up for work and that the whole staff consisted of the bar lady and a cook in the kitchen.

All of the patrons were in a good mood and were very patient with the service. I guess that everyone was hungry and realized that food was scarce on Christmas Eve.

Did I say…..It was cold outside…..especially cold for Savannah. Every time that the door was opened a rush of cold air came into the restaurant to the point that everyone kept their coats on while eating….Yes….Drinking too.

Near the end of our meal an older lady entered the restaurant and walked up to the bar. I noticed that she acted a little awkward, sort of like she was not supposed to be there…..or a little embarrassed. Maybe I shouldn’t have done so, but my first thought was that she was homeless. She was dressed well and appeared to have some class.

After a few minutes the bar lady asked if she wanted to order something. The lady started to turn and leave, then turned back to the bar lady and asked if she could get a cup or chowder and some bread to go. The bar lady punched the order into her computer all was set. After a few minutes the older lady told the bar lady to cancel the order……that she was staying up the street at the Marriot and that she had left her credit card in her room. Our bar lady thought for a minute and then told the older lady that it was too late to cancel, that the order was almost completed.

The cup of chowder and the bread were now out for pickup. The bar lady handed her the food. The little old lady said that she would walk to the Marriot and get her credit card. At this time my wife and I really figured that the little old lady was homeless, cold and hungry. A couple seated near us spoke up at the same time as my wife and I did…….offering to pay for the food…..

The bar lady smiled …… a genuine smile …. and wished the little old lady a Merry Christmas and the food was on the house.

Spending Christmas in Savannah put a smile on our faces and a toasty feeling in our hearts.

I know that this has nothing to do with Dan Valley … but it is a true story that I thought was worth telling.

Madison – History

Madison, North Carolina, is a small town located in Rockingham County. Its history dates back to the early 19th century when European settlers began to establish communities in the area.

The town was initially known as Martin’s Rock, named after a large rock formation on the property of Joseph Martin, one of the early settlers. In 1848, the community was officially named Madison in honor of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.

Madison grew as a result of its strategic location along the Dan River, which provided important transportation and trade routes for the region. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth, attracting businesses and industries to the area.

A key industry that emerged in Madison was tobacco farming and manufacturing. The town became known for its tobacco warehouses and processing facilities, which contributed to the local economy and provided employment opportunities for residents.

In the early 20th century, Madison experienced a boom in population and infrastructure development. The town introduced modern amenities such as paved roads, electricity, and improved public services. Along with tobacco, agriculture, including dairy farming and crop cultivation, played a significant role in the local economy.

Madison also developed a vibrant downtown area with various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The community centered around the historic Rockingham County Courthouse, which remains a prominent landmark in the town today.

Over the years, Madison has faced both triumphs and challenges. Economic shifts and changes in the tobacco industry have affected the town’s prosperity. However, the community has persevered by diversifying its economy and attracting new businesses and industries.

In recent years, Madison has sought to preserve its heritage and promote tourism. Efforts have been made to restore and maintain historic buildings, and events such as the Madison Mayodan Recreation Department’s “Mayodan Cruise-In” and the “Madison Heritage Festival” celebrate the town’s history and culture.

Today, Madison continues to be a close-knit community with a population that values its small-town charm and rural beauty. With its rich history and connection to the surrounding natural landscape, the town remains an important part of Rockingham County’s cultural fabric.

Chapter 2

Madison, North Carolina, was originally settled in the early 1800s by European settlers who were drawn to the area by its fertile land and abundant natural resources. The town was named after President James Madison and was officially incorporated in 1873.

Madison played an important role in the development of the tobacco industry in North Carolina, with many tobacco warehouses and factories operating in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town also became a major hub for the production and distribution of flue-cured tobacco.

In the mid-20th century, Madison experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity, with the establishment of new industries and businesses in the area. The town’s population grew steadily, and its downtown district became a vibrant center of commerce and culture.

However, like many small towns in the United States, Madison faced economic challenges in the latter part of the 20th century as industries began to decline and jobs moved overseas. The town has since worked to revitalize its economy and attract new businesses and residents.

Today, Madison remains a charming small town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. The town is home to a number of historical sites and landmarks, including the Madison Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Madison continues to celebrate its heritage and culture through events and festivals that showcase the town’s unique history and character.

Blog

Moratok Iron Furnace Park

Other amenities of the park are:

Moratok Iron Furnace Park

Reynolds Homestead

Critz, Va

Rules Of Life

Rules Of Life

Christmas In Savannah

Madison – History

Chapter 2