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
During the 1880s 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 Tredegarthe 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. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 32.121′ N, 77° 26.824′ 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 the Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 470 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: Horseshoe Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); Tredegar in the Twentieth Century / Then and Now
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Tredegar Rolling Mills (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Industrial Recycling (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Belle Isle Prison (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Neighborhoods at Tredegar (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Belle Isle and Old Dominion Iron and Nail Works (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Tredegar in 1951 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Bulldozer Press (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); President Lincoln Visits Richmond (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named President Lincoln Visits Richmond (was about 300 feet away
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
2. Tredegar Lathe
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."
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2009
3. Tredegar Lathe
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
4. Tredegar Rolling Mill
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
5. 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.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009
6. Bulldozer Press Display
November 3, 2009
7. 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,096 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on January 19, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 12, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
