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The Hope Furnace - Lake Hope State Park
Located on State Route 278 in Vinton County, about 15 miles from Nelsonville, Ohio, the Lake Hope furnace is a relic from an era long gone.
Once upon a time, this area of Ohio was a huge iron-producing area, and the Hope Furnace was one of the 24 hour furnaces that were noted to produce
some of the best iron anywhere. All that's left now is the ruins you see below, on an isolated stretch of SR 278. Legend has it that during the hayday
of the Furnace, one of the night watchmen was doing his rounds during a storm and somehow or another, either due to slipping or a flash of lightning, fell
into the furnace and melted to death. Rumors have it that his ghost still makes its round with its latern at night, and that footsteps can be heard
on the stones of the furnace. When Chris and I visited on July 6, 2004, we didn't have anything strange happen except some kids about our age pulling up
into the parking lot and being really rude and random. Perhaps we'll try again on a day that isn't brilliantly sunny and gorgeous, just to see if anything
does happen. If you want to get to the Hope Furnace, simply take US 33 East to Nelsonville, make a right onto Ohio Route 278, and follow it for about 14 miles. There is a sign
pointing to the Furnace, it is just off the road and has convenient parking. As always, if you have feedback, email me, and click the pictures for better views, info link for specifics. **NOTE: The caption links are pop-ups!
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