This Fascinating North Carolina Furnace Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Decades Now

The historic Endor Iron Furnace, a large smelting furnace near Cumnock, formerly known as Egypt, is situated along the Deep River. It operated from 1862–1865 and sometimes throughout the end of the 19th century. The state-owned property is without public access and is viewable by paddling down the picturesque and forested river. See why folks are fascinated by this abandoned and reclaimed North Carolina structure.

Without public access to Endor Iron Furnace, a float down Deep River allows a view of this mystical abandoned and reclaimed artifact.

Put in at Deep River Park where you can float underneath another historic landmark, Camelback Bridge. While you're there, enjoy a picnic at the shelter these lovely four acres offer.

Keep your eyes open as the crumbling ruins are barely noticeable, rising on the right about 50 yards inland. And while you see people here, there is no longer public access.

It comes with an eerie silence, quite a contrast to what was once a bustling industrial place.

The historic furnace was built to take advantage of the veins of ore in the nearby river.

Investors purchased the site of the furnace, the Deep River plantation once owned by Alexander McIver.

It produced pig iron for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.

Here is a rock wall behind the furnace, up on the cliff.

Construction is of soft local reddish-gray stones measuring about 32 feet square at the base, rising to about 35 feet high.

As you can see, efforts are alive to support the structure.

See these abandoned and reclaimed ruins at Deep River Park. And for a delicious lunch, drive the approximately 16 miles to Ron's Barn in Sanford for some of the best southern fried chicken in North Carolina.