Rita, when I saw your picture I was that curious that I searched for detailed information on the net. This is what I've found:

The village of Foster Falls - originally Foster's Falls, named for an early settler and farmer at the location - was a product of the iron industry that flourished in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

An iron furnace at Foster Falls was constructed in 1881. Soon thereafter, a railroad passenger-and-freight station was built in close proximity, leading other businesses to locate there.

By 1895, Foster Falls had a population of 296, an elegant Victorian-style hotel, a post office, a gristmill and sawmill, a general store, a distillery, and about 100 houses.

In 1914, the furnace ceased operations, and five years later the hotel's ownership was transferred to the Abingdon Presbytery to house an industrial school for young women. In 1938, the school became a co-ed orphanage.

By 1962, the buildings in Foster Falls had fallen into disrepair, and the children's home relocated to Wytheville.
Today, the village is a part of the New River Trail State Park.

Very interesting information which has made your fine image more vivid to me.

Thanks!!!!!!!

I just googled it too but Mr. C. beat me back with the info :) See what you stir with an interesting photo, Rita? By the way, I like your picture better than the ones I saw on the net.

LOL, thanks!

A lot of these old chimney/furnaces are so photogenic!..

You capture this perfectly and the 'central' positional composition works well too!

Very nice on the textures..It's good..R.

Beautiful capture of this old furnace, A nice shot of the past.

It had my interest too, so thank you to Mr. C. for the googled info. Rita, this is a very interesting post, well done. The New River area is so lovely in the fall, I took the train ride up the river some years ago, and had a great time. tigs=^..^=

That's a great looking shot of the furnace. I love the textures in the stones. I clicked a few more credits for Mr. C....for his interesting information on your image. Well done, Rita.

A wonderful shot of this historic landmark Rita. These old furnaces throughout the landscapes of America are so beautifully built and so interesting. Thanks to Mr. C for the wonderful information to go along with Your fine photo.

Great capture on the furnace Rita - I didn't realize that these existed and a small town existed due to the furnace - the stonework and patina are amazing - Excellent!!!!!!

I too gave Mr. C. some extra credits for providing such interesting info to go with your picture Rita - well done to both of you.

This old structure is quite impressive and has quite a story to it. Thanks for sharing.

Brilliant capture and such outstanding detail and colour. I must say your picture of the Iron Furnace is much better then the ones I've looked at using google looking through several sites. Bravo, of course right into my favs.

Beautiful texture and colour in those old bricks.

Even though it was built that long ago it looks very well kept. That is some fine stonework. I also enjoyed the bit of information provided by your viewers. Your shot is very colorful and the textures are nice. Nice image Rita.