The passing of George Hairston Sr. in 1827 marked a pivotal moment in the history of both Patrick and Henry Counties in Virginia. With his death, the western part of the expansive Beaver Creek Plantation — which stretched from Patrick County along the Smith River to Blackberry Creek in Henry County — passed into the hands of his son, John Hairston. At the heart of this estate lay a budding iron enterprise that would soon shape the region’s industrial legacy.
In 1836, nearly a decade after George Sr.’s death, John Hairston joined forces with his brother George Hairston II — known locally as “Ol’ Rusty” — and their cousin Peter Hairston to establish the Union Iron Works Company. Their mission was clear: to grow and refine the small-scale iron production started by their father. Utilizing a combination of slave labor and hired workers, the company worked the land to extract valuable iron ore from the mines (which are currently located in, around, and under Philpott and Fairy Stone Lakes), laying the foundation for a bustling iron industry in the region.
The daily rhythm of the Iron Works echoed through the hills — hardwood logs were burned into charcoal, and iron ore was smelted in what was referred to simply as “blast.” Skilled blacksmiths and local craftsmen then took the raw pig iron and forged it into usable tools and goods, binding the enterprise deeply to the surrounding community and economy.
The death of Peter Hairston in 1840 marked another turning point. John sold his share of the business to his brother, making George Hairston II the sole owner. Under George’s leadership in the 1850s, the operation expanded further with the acquisition of the “Forge Tract.” Despite these efforts, the iron business began to decline amid growing economic and operational challenges. Eventually, George’s son Samuel took over day-to-day management, but he too would sell off the family’s remaining interests in the forge.
Although historical documentation is scarce, many believe that the Iron Works played a role during the Civil War. Oral histories and regional folklore suggest that the Confederacy made use of the facility and that ore from the site was transported to the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond. Some legends go even further, claiming that iron from the Forge was used in the armor plating of the famous Confederate ironclad, the Merrimac — lending a storied air of national significance to this local venture.
Today, the tale of the Union Iron Works is more than just industrial history — it’s a story of ambition, legacy, and the enduring ties between land, labor, and community in southern Virginia.
Jarred Marlowe is a local resident and historian. He is a member of the Col. George Waller Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Blue & Gray Education Society, and the committee chair for the Martinsville-Henry County 250 Committee. He may be reached at marloweja15@gmail.com.
