New Albany in Floyd County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Successful Manufacture of Plate Glass in America

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022

1. First Successful Manufacture of Plate Glass in America Marker

Inscription. South of this point, along the Ohio River, was located the Star Glass Company where John B. Ford produced the first successful American-made plate glass in 1870. The first glass sheets made were installed in a store window at 318 Pearl S., New Albany.

Erected by Floyd County Historical Society • Radio station WIRP.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 38° 17.157′ N, 85° 48.734′ W. Marker is in New Albany, Indiana, in Floyd County. Marker is on East 10th Street, 0.1 miles south of East Main Street (Indiana Road 111), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Albany IN 47150, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Culbertson House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mansions of New Albany (about 300 feet away); Culbertson Mansion (about 300 feet away); Michael C. Kerr Home (about 600 feet away); Western Line of the Clark (Illinois) Grant (about 600 feet away); Floyd County World War I Memorial (about 700 feet away); Floyd County Honor Roll & Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away); Floyd County World Peace Honor Roll (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Albany.

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John Baptiste Ford. Wikipedia entry on the industrialist, who was building steamboats when he and son Emory opened New Albany Glass Works after 1864. After producing bottles and jars, the Fords began studying the technology to produce plate glass, which until then was available only from Europe. (Submitted on October 1, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022

2. First Successful Manufacture of Plate Glass in America Marker

John B. Ford image. Click for full size.

Unknown via New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (Public Domain), circa 1885

3. John B. Ford

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 1, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.