Enterprise and Iron

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

1. Enterprise and Iron Marker

Inscription.
By 1844, Tredegar Iron Works managers used this building for an office and as a residence. After the Civil War, it became the principal iron works office. It was rebuilt after being damaged by fire in 1903. During most of the history of Tredegar, the company was owned and operated by Joseph Reid Anderson and members of his family, with a few skilled workers and managers. Ownership by families or limited partnerships was not unusual for industrial organizations in the 1800s, but it became increasingly rare in large industries by the 20th century.

The main section of this structure originated as a three-story brick currying shop and dwelling, part of a series of tanyard operations in this vicinity from about 1799 to 1827. Tanned leather provided belting for early industries, and harness, seat coverings, and strapping for the carts, drays, and wagons that moved products in the industrial city.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 32.128′ N, 77° 26.713′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Gambles Hill. It could be reached from Tredegar Street 0.1 miles west of South

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5th Street. This marker is located outside the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Central Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this location: The Tredegar Iron Works (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Tredegar Iron Works (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Gun Foundry (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); The Cupola Furnace and Foundry (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Tredegar Iron Works (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Toledo 1000-ton Press (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Civil War Visitor Center (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Joseph Reid Anderson (was within shouting distance of this

Tredegar Office Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

2. Tredegar Office Building

marker but has been permanently removed); Overshot Waterwheel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Overshot Waterwheel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Raceways (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Southern Firepower (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Southern Firepower (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Company Store (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Adapting Power (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Early Industrial Patterns (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. On the lower left are advertisements for the various enterprises described. The caption reads: "In the mid-nineteenth century, skilled workers

Tredegar Office Building and Gun Foundry image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

3. Tredegar Office Building and Gun Foundry

and Anderson family members were brought in as partners in different parts of the production process, forming separate companies and partnerships. Mathew Delaney was a skilled iron worker and partner in the locomotive shops. Dr. Robert Archer, Joseph Reid Anderson’s father-in-law, ran the Armory rolling mill, as well as a separate tool works on the site."

On the upper right is a photograph of "Francis Glasgow at his desk, c. 1914-18."

On the lower right is a photograph carrying the captions, "By the early 20th century, the company management included many family members, perhaps a way to spread profits among family members, and a few skilled workers who had moved through the ranks." and "This picture taken at the office building includes Archer Anderson, the son of founder Joseph Reid Anderson, and Francis Glasgow, superintendent of the rolling mills and the father of noted novelist Ellen Glasgow."

Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 970 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on January 19, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.