On October 18, a second kickoff presentation was held. Local elected officials and community leaders got a sneak peek of the Yager Spring/Redwell Furnace historic site. This currently inaccessible site will be connected to the northern loop of the Greenway with two bridges and 1,100 feet of trail once the expansion is complete.
Greenway President Bill Dudley welcomed the audience and introduced the speakers.
- Stephanie Lillard, Mayor of Luray, spoke about how much the Greenway means to her and her family, and Luray’s residents and businesses.
- Greenway Board member and historian Rod Graves outlined the history of mining and smelting in Page County and at Redwell Furnace.
- Supervisor Keith Guzy spoke about the importance of the Greenway and mentioned what a gem it is for Page County.
Yager Spring is a blue hole that produces 8,000 gallons of water each day. The Redwell-Isabella Furnace began smelting operations in 1787 and operated until the 1840’s. Subsequently, a forge, flour mill, and woolen factory were located at the site into the late 19th century.
“We will Forge Ahead to Redwell Furnace as the Greenway expansion continues” said Bill Dudley in his wrap-up.
