River Mile: 327

Population: 10,434

U.S. Census Profile

The southernmost area of Ohio, Lawrence County became a county in 1816. The county was founded by a naval officer in the War of 1812, James Lawrence. Lawrence is also known for the war cry, “Do not give up the ship.” The area known for its rolling hills and forest land first had the county seat of Burlington. This was named after James Lawrence’s hometown of Burlington, New Jersey. The county seat was later changed and is currently Ironton, Ohio. Filled with rich minerals and the area became known as one of the greatest iron manufacturing areas of Ohio. Bordered by Kentucky and West Virginia over the Ohio River, Lawrence County has a deep history in the Underground Railroad. Freedom seekers looked at Lawrence County as a place to escape to freedom. Ohio’s southern coast is a beautiful, relaxed area that still shows remnants of the past as well as developments for the future. Lawrence County also has a known history of the early days of football with the Ironton Tanks and basketball with the Waterloo Wonders.