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     The DT&I or Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad had its roots in Ironton, Ohio. The railroad can be traced back to the Iron Railway which was incorporated in 1849 to transport farm products and mineral products from the fields of Lawrence County to Ironton. It was Dr. Caleb Briggs who suggested making Ironton the final destination for this railroad.
     In 1902, the Detroit Southern Railway bought the Iron Railway. Unfortunately, the line was in financial trouble and ended in bankruptcy in 1903.

     Two country doctors, Dr. C. G. Gray of Lawrence Furnace and Dr. Alfred Robinson of Arabia, opened a drug store on the corner of Third and Chesnut in 1880. The doctor’s patients were treated in offices in the rear of the building. The building, also, had the first emergency operating room in the city, fifteen years before the Deaconness Hospital was opened.

     Originally called Eagle Brewing Company, the Ebert Brewery stock house was erected in 1863 on the corner of Seventh and Railroad Streets. Leo Ebert was the owner and operator until his death in 1908. By 1875, 6,000 barrels of beer and ale was produced annually. In 1891, a fire caused $10,000 worth of damage. After the flood of 1884, the brewery was used as a soup kitchen for flood victims.

     The First National Bank was organized in 1849 by John Campbell. At that time, the bank was known as the Iron Bank. The Iron Bank began its operation in May 1851.
     The First National Bank received its charter from the U.S. government in 1863. The bank is one of the nation’s oldest banks still in operation.
     On July 1, 1921, First National merged with Second National.
     In 1957, the bank opened its Jones Street Office located at the corner of 3rd and Jones Street.

     The property where the Goldcamp Building was built was originally owned by Jacob Heplar and John Davidson. The partners split their property. Jacob Heplar retained the Goldcamp property. On November 25, 1809, Jacob Heplar sold the land to Peter Leonbarger. The actual cost of the property was not listed.
     Peter Leonbarger kept the property for almost forty years. On September 20, 1848, he sold the property to William D. Kelley for $2,770.00.

    The Goldcamp Hardware Company was founded in 1893. At the time the store employed six people.
     Located at 410 Center Street, the store was remodeled in the 1960’s. The Hardware Department was completely remodeled. The Furniture Department was remodeled and expanded. Tile Flooring was added. New fixtures were installed. A space was made for a colorful window display. The story even added an appliance department.
     By 1962, the store would have fourteen full time employees.

     The Ironton Book Store was founded on April 22, 1852. The store was originally located across from the Ironton Register. A member of the John Campbell family was the founder.
     It moved to its new location on 1880.
     At one time, the Ironton Book Store was owned by the Murdocks, a founding family of Ironton.
     Dr. W. F. Marting was an owner of the store. He sold the store to Sam Bowman.

     The Ironton Castings Company purchased the Foster Stove and Repair Company’s Plant Number 2. Located at 1st and Mulberry, the casting company employed fifty to sixty people. The company opened its doors on January 16, 1950. W. W. Weber of Lancaster, Ohio was the owner.
     The company produced gray iron and alloyed castings of light and medium weight. During its peak years, the company could produce 75,000 pounds of castings per week.

     The Ironton Cement Company was established in 1901. S. B. Steece was the president of the company.  Henry A. Marting was the vice president. A.C. Steece was named secretary. Other members of the board were Leo Ebert, F. C. Tomlinson, S. G. Gifillan, John H. Lucas, W. P. Lewis, J. W. Slater and F. L. McCauley.
     The company had a limestone mine that reached 578 feet under the earth. In 1910, while workers were drilling for gas, another 100 foot thick vein of limestone was found.