The only remains of the bustling industrial town of Etowah is the furnace at Cooper Iron Works. Built by Jacob Stroup in the 1830's, this foundry was the first in the area. A politician named Mark Cooper purchased the foundry from Stroup in 1844 after losing the election for governor to George Crawford in 1843. Cooper later sold half of this business and used the money to build the Etowah Railroad, a short run spur that passed his furnace. The Yonah, the first engine used by the crew of the General during the Great Locomotive Chase was his engine. That same year, Cooper sold all his holdings in Etowah. The next year the Confederate government began to operate the furnace. In 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign, General Joseph Johnston stationed men on the hills surrounding the plant, who fought a skirmish before retreating.

Almost totally destroyed by Sherman's troops on May 22, 1864, the town was flooded when the Corps of Engineers created Lake Allatoona. All that remains today is this furnace and a chimney. A railroad cut leading from Etowah Station on the old Western and Atlantic Railroad to the furnace is still visible on River Road.

The Iron Works are in the Cooper Day Use Area on Lake Allatoona. No fee is required and the park has picnic facilities and the Cooper Day Use Loop Trail.

Location: City of Etowah
Directions: I75, exit 288. South on Ga. 113 to US 41 south. 2 miles to River Road, follow signs.
Additional information:
Telephone: 770.382.4700
Open:Daily, March through November, 8:00am-sundown
Date added: November 16, 2003
Last update: October 3, 2004