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by Terry Baldridge (Author)
River, iron, and rail when intertwined make up a rope that links the tri-state river cities of Huntington, West Virginia; Ashland, Kentucky; Ironton, Ohio; and Portsmouth, Ohio.
The Ohio River provided a quicker and convenient way for the pre-industrial settlers in eastern United States to move westward in their unending search for land, riches, and prominence. Iron manufacturing in the Hocking Valley brought jobs and stability that seemed at the time as inexhaustible as the sun itself.
The railroads brought further wealth to the hills and deep valleys where at one time farming had been the major source of income.
Huntington is the largest of the area cities. The population is now approaching 50,000 inhabitants.
Author Biography
The author/historian Terry L. Baldridge is a sixth generation Kentuckian. He is the author of several history books as well as numerous newspaper and magazine articles dealing with America's colonial generation and the art of photography. Terry has degrees and diplomas from University of Kentucky, Marshall University, New Mexico State University, and City Colleges of Chicago. He enjoys teaching history, photography, and photo editing. Terry lives near Roach, West Virginia with his wife and son.
