Gambles Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Making Machines at Tredegar

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

1. Making Machines at Tredegar Marker

Inscription. During the 1880’s the Tredegar Iron Works made many of the specialized machines necessary in iron production. This was especially true for machinery used in the rolling mills. Two major parts of the stand of rolls you see in the display behind you, were made at Tredegar–the rolls which shape the metal, and the large housings that hold the rolls and gears together.

The rolls were turned on the lathe displayed here. The lathe copies the form of an already shaped piece.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil.

Location. 37° 32.121′ N, 77° 26.824′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Gambles Hill. Marker can be reached from Tredegar Street, 0.1 miles west of South 5th Street. This marker is located outside the Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 470 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tredegar Rolling Mills (a few steps from this marker); Industrial Recycling (within shouting distance of this marker); Belle Isle Prison (within shouting distance of this marker); Neighborhoods at Tredegar (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Belle Isle and Old Dominion Iron and Nail Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Horseshoe Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); Tredegar in 1951 (within shouting distance of this marker); Tredegar in the Twentieth Century / Then and Now (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. On the left is a photograph with the caption, "The lathe in this photograph taken in the late 19th century was being used to turn rolls, but according to George Perrini, an old Tredegar hand shown here, the lathe had been used in the Civil War to turn cannon."

George Perrini at the lathe image. Click for full size.

November 3, 2009

2. George Perrini at the lathe

The lathe in this photograph taken in the late 19th century was being used to turn rolls, but according to George Perrini, an old Tredegar hand shown here, the lathe had been used in the Civil War to turn cannon.

Tredegar Lathe image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

3. Tredegar Lathe

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2009

4. Tredegar Lathe

Tredegar Rolling Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

5. Tredegar Rolling Mill

The Bulldozer Press image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

6. The Bulldozer Press

The earth-moving machine we call a “bulldozer” got its name from this type of press. This bulldozer press, made by Williams and White, shapes and straightens pieces of metal.

Bulldozer Press Display image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

7. Bulldozer Press Display

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 941 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 12, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.