Lawrence: Iron Furnaces, River and Forest

Forests to the north, historic iron furnaces and connections across the Ohio River give Lawrence a varied character. The history of iron production can be explored at specific sites; at the same time, the Ironton District of Wayne National Forest offers opportunities for active days outdoors. When planning a trip, you can take these different attractions into account when choosing where to stay.

Iron Furnaces and Architectural History

Several distinct examples of history stand side by side in Ironton. The Brumberg Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, while the Fifth and Lawrence Streets Residential District was added in 1978. The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall is also one of the area’s notable buildings, with its Romanesque architecture. Their dates and architectural styles each offer a different perspective, rather than telling just one story.

The Vesuvius Furnace offers a particularly vivid connection to iron production: it was built in 1833 and named after an Italian volcano. Known as Vesuvius Iron Furnace, it was one of 46 charcoal iron furnaces in the six-county Hanging Rock Iron Region in southern Ohio. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The Vesuvius Recreation Area also takes its name from the old iron furnace and is considered the Wayne National Forest’s largest developed recreation area.

Other sites are spread across different communities: Olive Furnace in Pedro was added to the National Register in 2007, and Macedonia Church in Burlington in 1978. This brings together iron industry, religious architecture and residential architecture as distinct themes when you explore the region’s history.

Museum, Local History and Annual Fair

The Lawrence County Museum has a permanent collection on regional history and is housed in a restored Victorian home dating from 1870. The building and collection together provide a tangible historical setting for learning about the region’s development. In Burlington, another way to learn about local history is the Burlington 37 Cemetery Marker, located at the entrance to Burlington 37 Cemetery. The Burlington 37 were formerly enslaved people freed in Virginia who founded Burlington, Ohio, in the mid-19th century.

The Lawrence County Fair, held every July, offers a different glimpse into community life. The program includes rides, a demolition derby, tractor races, music and 4-H events. If you’re planning your trip for a particular year, check the Fair’s dates for that period.

Forest Activities and Routes Across the Ohio River

Wayne National Forest covers much of northern Lawrence County. The Ironton District offers camping, backpacking, kayaking and hunting. Visitor information for the district is available at the Ironton Ranger Station in Pedro. Alongside the historic sites, outdoor activities offer another distinct focus.

The Ohio River also shapes regional connections beyond Ohio’s borders: six architecturally interesting bridges span the river and connect Lawrence County with various places in Kentucky and West Virginia. One is the Ironton-Russell Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge between Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, Kentucky.

When choosing a vacation rental, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on. Ironton, Burlington and Pedro are specific points of interest for architectural history and iron production; the outdoor activities mentioned are in the Ironton District. The July Fair and the bridges across the Ohio River also offer distinct possibilities for your plans.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: South Point, Miami, Stark, Allen, Ashland County, Summit, Brown County, Clermont County.

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