Ironton

History

Ironton was founded in 1849 by John Campbell, a prominent pig iron manufacturer in the area. He chose the location of Ironton because of its site along the Ohio River, which would allow for water transport of iron ore to markets downriver. Between 1850 and 1890, Ironton was one of the foremost producers of iron in the world. England, France, and Russia all purchased iron for warships from here due to the quality. Iron produced here was used for the USS Monitor, the United States' first ironclad ship. Ironton was also known for its accommodating attitude toward sin and vice associated with the mine and ironworkers. With its location on the Ohio River, Ironton became a destination on the Underground Railroad for refugee slaves seeking freedom in the North. John Campbell and some other city leaders sheltered slaves in their homes during their journeys. During the American Civil War, local military regiments were mustered, quartered, and trained at Camp Ironton, a military post located at the county fairgrounds. The downfall of Ironton came as the market for iron changed. Also, the nation was making the transition from a demand for iron to steel. After a nationwide economic recession in the late 19th century, Ironton was no longer growing. The Norfolk and Western Railway built a new railroad station downtown in 1906, and it continued in operation into the mid-20th century. Two major floods (1917, 1937) caused extensive damage to the city and its industries. The second flood came during the Great Depression; together with the shift in the iron industry, it devastated the city. The iron industry declined, affecting other industries, as well. As the iron industries closed, Ironton had little with which to replace them. An industrial city, Ironton worked to attract…

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is covered by water. Ironton is located within the northern limits of a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa), which is typical of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky. The region experiences four distinct seasons. Winters are cool to cold with mild periods, and summers are generally hot and humid, with significant precipitation year-round. Ironton is largely transitional in its flora, sharing traditionally northern trees in landscaping, such as the blue spruce along with magnolia and the occasional needle palm from the Upland South.

Race & ethnicity

Most-observed species

• Northern Cardinal

  Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  708
• American Robin

  Turdus migratorius Linnaeus, 1766 · Aves
  585
• Song Sparrow

  Melospiza melodia (A.Wilson, 1810) · Aves
  481
• American Crow

  Corvus brachyrhynchos C.L.Brehm, 1822 · Aves
  460
• Carolina Wren

  Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  454
• Blue Jay

  Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  447
• Mourning Dove

  Zenaida macroura (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  425
• European Starling

  Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  403