Gambles Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Toledo 1000-ton Press
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
1. Toledo 1000-ton Press Marker
This press was used to finish iron and steel parts, such as the pieces of rail-connecting plate (known as fishplate) you see displayed here. It straightened hundreds of thousands of tons of metal in its lifetime. The machine weighs about 40 tons. The 1000 ton designation refers to the amount of force it can generate. The machine was purchased in the 1920s and was moved to Cleveland when the Tredegar Companys equipment was purchased by Cleveland Track material in 1986.
[Sidebar:]
To make a fishplate, the iron or steel is rolled into shape at the Tredegar rolling mills.
Second, the shaped iron or steel is reheated and cut into the proper length with a bar shear.
Third, bolt holes are punched with a punch press.
Finally, the fishplate is straightened by the press you see here.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1986.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 32.127′ N, 77° 26.737′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Gambles Hill. It could be reached from Tredegar Street 0.1 miles west of South 5th Street. This marker is located outside
this page online
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. within walking distance of this location: Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Cupola Furnace and Foundry (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Civil War Visitor Center (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); Overshot Waterwheel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Early Industrial Patterns (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); Tredegar Iron Works (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Francis Turbine
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
2. Toledo 1000-ton Press
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
3. Toledo 1000-ton Press
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 1,221 times since then and 20 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.
