The images below are 2007 photos of what remains of the Wellersburg iron furnace, Southampton Township, Somerset County, PA. Disregard the 2006 dates on the photos; they were actually taken in December, 2007.
In regard to Wellersburg iron production, page 589 of the 1884 book "History of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania" states "The town grew slowly, like most country villages, until the building of the furnace brought a sudden influx of population. The Wellersburg furnace was built in 1855. The Union Coal and Iron Company, its projector and first owner, was organized in 1854. The furnace, when in active operation, produced about three hundred tons of iron per month, and the industry, in all its departments, afforded employment to about two hundred men. The furnace continued in operation at different times, until 1866, when it was abandoned. The collapse of this industry was the death-blow of the growth and prosperity of Wellersburg.".
It isn't too big of a stretch to imagine that this large influx of laborers would have represented a good market for the various farm products that were produced by local farmers.
According to page 192 of John C. Cassady's 1932 book "Somerset County Outline", a branch railroad was used for the needs of the furnace, and connected to a railroad that ran from Mount Savage to Cumberland. Page 229 of the same book indicates the iron ore that was smelted at Wellersburg was procured from Savage Mountain.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
