Discover Lawrence

Lawrence brings together traces of the iron industry, regional history, and nature in the Wayne National Forest. Several historic sites are located in Ironton, Burlington, and Pedro; the Ironton District offers outdoor activities. The Lawrence County Fair, held annually in July, adds a seasonal highlight. When planning, it is helpful to consider historical dates, recurring events, and nature activities as distinct aspects of the region.

Industrial history and historic sites

Entries in the National Register of Historic Places give several historic sites specific dates. The Brumberg Building in Ironton was added in 2008; the Fifth and Lawrence Streets Residential District in Ironton and Macedonia Church in Burlington were listed in 1978. Olive Furnace in Pedro was added in 2007, and Vesuvius Furnace in Ironton in 1990. These years refer to the dates of listing in the Register, not the construction dates of the sites. Alongside individual buildings, the focus also includes a residential district and historic furnaces. The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall features Romanesque architecture, adding a specific architectural detail to the historic sites.

The construction history of Vesuvius Furnace is also tangible: it was built in 1833 and named after an Italian volcano. As Vesuvius Iron Furnace, it was one of 46 charcoal iron furnaces in the six-county Hanging Rock Iron Region in southern Ohio. The furnace therefore represents not just a single site, but a larger iron-industry region.

The Lawrence County Museum complements local history with a permanent collection on regional history. It is housed in a restored Victorian residence dating from 1870. The building’s history and the region’s history thus come together in one collection.

The history of Burlington 37 also has a specific location: the Burlington 37 Cemetery Marker stands at the entrance to Burlington 37 Cemetery. According to the historical account, the Burlington 37 were formerly enslaved people from Virginia who founded Burlington, Ohio, in the mid-19th century. This marker adds a founding story to the architectural and industrial history.

Nature and regional orientation

The Wayne National Forest covers a large part of northern Lawrence County. The forest’s Ironton District offers camping, backpacking, kayaking, and hunting. This range of options gives you specific activities to plan around. The Vesuvius Recreation Area is named after the old Vesuvius iron furnace and is considered the main developed recreation area in the Wayne National Forest. The shared name links the history of the iron furnace with recreation.

On the Ohio River, the Ironton-Russell Bridge is a specific geographic link: it is a cable-stayed bridge between Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, Kentucky. Six architecturally interesting bridges span the Ohio River and connect Lawrence County with various locations in Kentucky and West Virginia. Visitor information for the Ironton District is available at the Ironton Ranger Station in Pedro.

Events throughout the year

The Lawrence County Fair is held annually in July. Its program includes rides, a demolition derby, tractor races, as well as music and 4-H events. Check the dates for the edition taking place in your travel year before making plans. The event calendar therefore differs from the years of historic register entries: July marks the recurring period of the fair, while the register years mark the listing of particular sites.

Discover more destinations: South Point, Montgomery, Holmes County, Auglaize County, Ross County, Sandusky County, Delaware County, Knox County

For the broader travel overview: Ohio.