ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 31 In 1976, the Tredegar Iron Works was named an ASM Historical Landmark. The Richmond, Virginia, site marks a critical advancement of the Southern United States from primarily extractive, technologically primitive industries to modern, heavy industry. Chartered in 1837, the site overlooking the James River played a significant role during the Civil War effort and contributed to the growth of the nation through its support of railroads and various other industries. EARLY DAYS Founder Francis Deane, Jr., started the company initially to produce parts for the expected growth of the railroads. After Deane hired Joseph Anderson as a purchasing agent, the two enlisted ironworkers from Tredegar, Wales, to construct the initial furnaces and rolling mills. Thus, the foundry was named to honor their town. From its inception and throughout its years of operation, Tredegar Iron Works used hydro power by harnessing the Kanawha Canal. It only turned to electricity during high production times. The early days also saw the addition of a flour mill and woolen mill on the property. SUPPLYING A NATION AT WAR With the onset of the Civil War, the Tredegar Iron Works shifted its efforts and became a major supplier of artillery ordnance. By 1861, it was the sole Southern facility capable of producing heavy munitions. The foundry ASM HISTORICAL LANDMARK SERIES HISTORY OF TREDEGAR IRON WORKS PRESERVED AT MUSEUM The Richmond iron foundry was a major supplier of armament during the Civil War and produced parts that aided the expansion of the nation’s railroads. The main visitor’s center at Historic Tredegar was once the Pattern Building. VISIT TREDEGAR The Historic Tredegar, which is part of the American Civil War Museum, is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased to tour two floors of exhibits that invoke the Civil War, Reconstruction, and modern day. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, see historic memorabilia, and watch films that bring Richmond’s role in the Civil War to life. The museum is located in downtown Richmond on the site of the Tredegar Iron Works.
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