Ironton, MO

IRONTON, The county seat of Iron county, Arcadia township, is pleasantly and romantically situated in the midst of a rich valley of land one mile from the present terminus of the Iron Mountain railroad.  There is no portion of the State which presents to the lover of nature more grand and imposing scenery than is found here.  Within one mile of the town the far-famed Pilot Knob lifts its more than gigantic battlements towards the heavens, the valleys are rich and verdure, abounding with springs and streams of the coolest water. Here is to be found instruction and wonders for the scientific explorer, and all that is beautiful in nature for the pleasure seeker; objects of profound speculation for the philosopher, and scenes of paradisical beauty and delight for the poetic dreamer and votary of the muses.
Immediately in the vicinity of Ironton are found some of the finest of mineral springs; one in particular, a chalybeate spring, the properties of which consist chiefly of sulphur and iron, is situated within easy access of the hotel.  Ironton has already become a favorite summer resort for families glad to leave the heat and annoyance of the crowded city.  The springs around here are are equal in their medicinal qualities to any in the world, while the chalybeate of all this iron country mantle the cheek with rosy blood and imparts vigor and tone to the nervous system.  A large, airy and commodious hotel will be found here, called the Ironton House.  The proprietor, Col. H.N. Tong is an experienced host, who takes pride in providing everything that will administer to the comfort of his guests.
Ironton was first settled by a Mr. Stout 40 years ago.  The post office was established in the year 1858.  The distance from St. Louis is 87 miles, and from Jefferson City 212 miles by railroad and 160 miles by land.  There is a two-horse stage line daily from Ironton to Pocahontas, Ark., Batesville, Little Rock, and San Antonio, Texas.  Two papers are issued here, the Ironton Furnace, by James Lindsay, every Friday, and the Ironton Baptist Journal, by Wm. Polk, first of every month.  The female high school under the excellent management of Mrs. N.H. Parker, is in operation.  The Odd Fellows have a lodge, viz: Iron Lodge, No. 107.  The number of churches are three, viz: one Methodist, one Baptist, and one Presbyterian.  The chief productions are corn, wheat, oats, and tobacco.  Timber, oak, hickory and walnut.  Minerals, iron, marble, copper and lead.  Land may be bought on an average at $35 per acre, including improved and unimproved.  Population 500.  (The Missouri State Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1860)