Initially
ironwork used in Savannah was imported from
New York or Europe, later much was locally
produced. Savannah's first foundary was operated
at Hermitage Plantation by Henry McAlpin.
During the late 1830s demand for ironwork
increased in the city and McAlpin's business
prospered. He controlled the industry locally
until his death in 1851. There followed a
period of about five years when no iron was
produced in Savannah. In 1855 David and William
Rose, machinists from Lancashire, England,
opened a foundary on Indian Street. During
the Civil War the foundary produced plate
for the ironclad Atlanta. Independent Presbyterian
Church steeple at left is made of iron sheathed
in copper.
