There are many places to visit in and around Ironton, Ohio. Some of them are listed below, along with driving times. You can also find driving times for nearby towns. The smaller radius indicates a shorter drive, while a larger radius shows a longer drive.
Lake Vesuvius
The Ironton Unit of Wayne National Forest is home to Lake Vesuvius, a 143-acre body of water. The lake was created in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lake’s name comes from the Vesuvius Iron Furnace that was located near the lake. The area still has many remnants of the region’s industrial past.
Located eight miles north of Ironton on state route 75, Lake Vesuvius offers a great spot for fishing. This lake is home to several species of popular fish. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the lake is stocked with Largemouth and Spotted Bass, Bluegill, and White Crappie, Sunfish, and Saugeye.
Visitors will enjoy the views of the lake, dam, and rock outcroppings from this trail. There are also opportunities to go horseback riding through the rolling hills that surround the campground. The trails are not only scenic, but are also free. And the equestrians can experience a great outdoor activity – a scenic picnic at the base of Lake Vesuvius is an excellent way to unwind and relax in the great outdoors.
The Vesuvius Lake area has been selected as one of 120 federal job corps centers. The project will house up to 100 members, who will work on wildlife and conservation projects in the area. This will be the first step in an anti-poverty program, which will create thousands of jobs in disadvantaged communities.
The Wayne National Forest was established in the 1930s and Civilian Conservation Corps workers built the dam and recreation area on Lake Vesuvius. Since then, the forest has recovered nicely with mixed hardwoods and well-maintained trails. Throughout the three districts of the Wayne National Forest, there are many hiking and backpacking options.
Iron industry
The Iron Range region has been shaping the nation’s economy for over a century. Visitors can learn about the area’s first inhabitants and the history of its mining towns. The museum is filled with interesting exhibits ranging from beaver pelt price lists and wild rice soup to the development of the mining towns and the struggle for safer working conditions.
During the industrial revolution in the 1820s, demand for iron products spiked. The Land Between the Lakes area was an important contributor to this regional industry, stretching from Western Kentucky to southern Middle Tennessee counties. The region was also well-served by rivers, which provided cheap transportation and access to markets. Today, two of eight furnace stacks remain, with the Center Furnace and Great Western Furnace being the only ones still in operation. Other markers of the past include barren circles in the forest that once housed charcoal hearths.
The late nineteenth century saw significant changes in the iron industry, which led to the rise of the steel industry. The Pennsylvania Steel Company was the first to commercially produce steel in 1867 at Steelton. This industry was fueled by a need for stronger rails, and technological developments made steel production feasible in large amounts. Soon, steel mills began to outpace the iron industry in the United States. By 1892, the output of steel mills in the US was higher than that of the entire iron industry.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is a fascinating experience for visitors to learn about the rich mining history of the region. The museum is open to the public, and features more than 100 exhibits to educate visitors about the history of the iron industry in the area. Visitors will learn about the communities that grew up around the iron range. The museum overlooks the Carp River Forge Historic Site, which was the first iron-manufactory in the Lake Superior region. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The World’s First Iron Bridge is an iconic feature of the Iron industry. It was constructed in 1779 and opened to traffic in 1781. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Today, it is an impressive feat of engineering and remains one of the most impressive feats in modern architecture.
Home of abolitionist John Campbell
The home of abolitionist John Campbell is a historical site located in the Montgomery, Alabama. Campbell was an abolitionist who worked with the Reverend John Rankin to help fugitive slaves. His house was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1853, Campbell died of uremic poisoning, a form of advanced kidney failure. His body was buried in Woodland Cemetery.
While working in Atlanta, Campbell pursued a legal career. His father, John Clark, was a state representative in Alabama and governor of Georgia. Both were Jacksonian Democrats. However, his most notable stance was against slavery. Campbell had a strong belief that slavery would eventually end. He believed that enslaved people needed a formal education before being freed.
A hexagonal brick study stands 100 feet west of the main house. It has a pointed arch entrance and a central lantern on its roof. It also features niches and buttresses. This is the room where Campbell worked most of the time. He would often start his day at 4 a.m., so he could attend to business matters.
In addition to being an abolitionist, John Campbell also helped hide runaway slaves. He also played a key role in the Ironton Underground Railroad. His home was later used as a funeral home. Today, it is home to the Lawrence County Community Action Agency.
Although the Campbells used enslaved people for many tasks, the families also employed a number of servants to maintain their elegant lifestyle. These individuals were paid to work for the Campbell family and performed many tasks. Robert and Virginia Campbell did not appear to own slaves before their marriage, but Virginia Campbell inherited three enslaved children from her deceased father. These children were either sold or freed by the time of the 1854 census.
While Campbell was an abolitionist, he also owned a number of enslaved people. He did not defend slavery, but he believed it stunted the South’s economic development. He was also a staunch supporter of states’ rights. However, he never advocated violence to enforce his beliefs.
Getting away from it all in Lawrence County
Ironton, Ohio is a small city on the Ohio River and its county seat. It is 20 miles northwest of Huntington, West Virginia, and has a rich history in the iron industry. It also has a strong football tradition, and one of the first professional teams was located in the city. In 1849, John Campbell founded the city, and he chose it due to its strategic location along the river.