Ironton, industrial city (2020 pop.
10,400), seat of Lawrence co., S Ohio, on the Ohio River; inc. as a city
1865. Chemicals, dyes, metal pipes, plastics, and iron products are
manufactured, and some coal is mined. Ironton was a great iron-producing
center during the Civil War. From c.1900 to 1910 the city had the largest
blast furnace in the world, Big Etna, with a capacity of 100 tons per day.
However, the development of the northern iron-ore ranges and improved
transportation by rail and on the Great Lakes led to the decline of its iron
industry by the early 20th cent. The remains of many giant charcoal iron
furnaces are local landmarks.
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