The Lawrence Rolling Mill
Ironton Register, February 16, 1854, Number 30, Page 2
The Lawrence Mill, a proud monument of Ironton Industry, rolled its first iron on last Monday, much to the satisfaction of all concerned. The establishment is very complete – two engines, and two mills. It was erected under the general superintendence of Mr. E. Child – and is throughout the product of Home Manufactures, with the single exception of the boilers. The machinery was made by J.M. Merrill & Co. at their works, the Olive Foundry and Machine Shop, under the direction of Mr. Henry Davis, their foreman, who is perhaps as complete and accomplished a mechanic as the county affords. The perfection of the machinery is such that it runs almost noiselessly, so much that there is no jar, and a person a half dozen yards distant from the building could not tell from any sound that the mill was in operation.
This Mill goes in operation under most favorable auspices – everything connected being about as it should be, fine location, almost perfect machinery, and a business firm that will at once command the highest respect and confidence – James Rodgers & Co.
The Lawrence Rolling Mill was built in 1854 and was located where the Ironton Little League fields are now. In 1887 the Mill suffered a boiler explosion, killing several workers. You can read about it HERE.
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About Lawrence County, Ohio
Lawrence County, Ohio borders the Ohio River at the Southernmost part of the state. Six architecturally interesting bridges span the Ohio River, connecting Lawrence County with various locations in both Kentucky and West Virginia. Because of these bridges, metropolitan Ashland, KY and Huntington, WV are just minutes away from virtually anywhere in the county.
Lawrence County Ohio was organized December 20, 1816, the first Court of Common Pleas was organized March 4, 1817. In 2016, Lawrence County celebrated its Bicentennial… click here to view photos of the Grand Finale event.
The first election was held April 7, 1817, with Joseph Davidson, Joel Bowen, and David Spurlock elected county commissioners. Their first meeting was held Monday afternoon, April 21, 1817, at the home of Joseph Davidson in Burlington.
Lawrence County, Ohio was named after Capt. James Lawrence, a native of Burlington, NJ and a gallant naval officer of the War of 1812.
Lawrence County was home to 23 blast furnaces and was once the world leader in pig iron production.
The county seat is Ironton, where you will find our government offices, restaurants, museum, library, splash park, civic organizations, and is home of the famous Memorial Day Parade.
Check out what’s new in Lawrence County, with the Lawrence County Guide Book.
The Lawrence County Historical Society 