National Register Listing

Downtown Ironton Historic District

Portions of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Center Sts., Park Ave., Vernon St. and Bobby Bare Blvd., Ironton, OH
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Ohio is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland. It was established in 1983 and inducted its first class of musicians in 1986.
Ohio random facts
Lawrence County is located in southeastern Ohio and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes. European settlers arrived in the late 1700s and early 1800s, establishing towns and communities in the region.

In the early 19th century, Lawrence County became an important hub for transportation and industry. The Ohio River served as a crucial waterway for trade and commerce, and many steamboats traveled through the county. The discovery of coal and iron ore in the region further fueled the county's growth, leading to the establishment of numerous coal mines and iron furnaces.

During the Civil War, Lawrence County played a significant role in the Union effort. The area experienced great economic boom during this time due to an increased demand for iron and coal for the war effort. Lawrence County was also the birthplace of Lawrence Sherman, a prominent Union general who played a key role in several major battles.

In the 20th century, the county faced both challenges and opportunities. Various industries, including steel and manufacturing, contributed to the county's economy. However, the decline of the coal industry and the closure of several major factories brought economic hardships to the region. Today, Lawrence County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a vibrant community and ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and preserve its rich history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lawrence County, Ohio.

  • 1796 - Lawrence County is established by the Ohio General Assembly
  • 1802 - The first permanent settlement is established in Burlington
  • 1816 - The county seat is moved from Burlington to Ironton
  • 1849 - The Iron Railroad is completed, connecting Ironton and Jackson
  • 1861-1865 - Lawrence County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1868 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway begins operations in the county
  • 1907 - The Chesapeake-Ohio-Pere Marquette Railway Bridge is built
  • 1928 - The Ohio River floods, causing significant damage to Lawrence County
  • 1942-1945 - Lawrence County residents contribute to World War II efforts
  • 1980 - The county experiences an economic decline due to the decline of the steel industry
  • 2010 - The Lawrence County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places