Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CATFISH CREEK FURNACE
CATFISH CREEK FURNACE. Smelter. Built in 1869 along the Monastery Creek branch of CATFISH CREEK approximately one mile southwest of Rockdale, the LEAD smelting furnace was also known as Watters and Bronson (or Bonson) Furnace.
Ingots from this furnace were shipped to St. Louis by raft on the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. Some of the lead may have been used at the SHOT TOWER. Once the use of the smelter was gone, many of the flat stones were used by a local resident in the construction of his sidewalk.
