In 1832, James Rogers, John Sparks, & Valentine Fear purchased a large tract of land from an early settler named Joseph Kelly. After the iron furnace was constructed, Joseph Kelly went on to join the company. In 1844, the Dempsey, Rodgers & Company took over the operation. James Rogers was the president and J. Ellison was the manager. In 1866, Thomas G. Scott became the manager. Mr. Burt eventually took over the operation of this iron furnace, which became known as "Little Etna". Finally, the Etna Iron Works purchased it and continued the operation until 1885. In 1878, the company suffered a series of financial setbacks, which probably led to the closing of this particular site.

This iron furnace specialized in manufacturing iron that was forged into automobile wheels. A short section of track, known as the Etna Junction, connected Etna Furnace to the main line. The iron was shipped on the Iron Railroad.