Ironton

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

The mission church was established in 1869 by John W. Warden. The first services were in the home of Judge John W. Emerson in 1870. Construction on the current building at E. Reynolds and N. Knob Street corner began in 1870, with the church complete enough to hold the first service at the end of that year. The builders were Gunton and Forster, who built the church from plans drawn up by Judge John W. Emerson. Much of the material was donated by local residents; for example hair for the plaster was collected and donated by the local barber, and the lumber and rock by other I ronton residents.

The windows were ordered from a catalog, at $250.75, and $49.50 more for the window sashes. The exterior was originally pinkish tan with brown trim, but later was changed to white with red trim. The roof is cedar shakes, and has always been plaid. It has been replaced once. The building is 23' x 60' --see the NRHP nomination for more description. The church was officially dedicated on August 3, 1879. There was apparently no minister for the church from 1908 to 1952, so the church relied on lay speakers during this period. P.O. 1858-date.

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Iron County Courthouse

The courthouse was designed by Henry H. Wright, architect, and built in 1858. The cost of the building was $14,000, and was built by George F. Evans and William F. Mitchell. The original red brick building was a 2 story rectangular structure, 50 ft. x 65 ft. The style is eclectic, including elements of both Greek Revival and Italianate traditions, a combination which is known as Italianate Classicism. The Greek Revival influence can be seen in the prominent entablature with dentate band which rims the building and underscores the tympanum of the pediment, while the Italianate influence is seen in the round-arched windows, the prominent quoins, and the Vendramini window of the primary facade.

The original 1858 building has a 1964 addition on the west side. Its metal roof was replaced with asbestos shingles in 1975. During the Battle of Pilot Knob on September 25-27, 1864, the building served as both barracks and hospital for the Confederate forces. The forward Union lines skirmished with the Confederate forces around the court-house briefly on September 25, 1864, before the Union forces withdrew to Fort Davidson. In the course of this skirmish, the courthouse was damaged by both cannon and rifle fire; if one looks carefully at the eastern facade, it is still possible to see damage scars from this battle. P.O. 1858-date.

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