Jones & Laughlin Steel Company

For over 140 years, the Jones & Laughlin Company defined Pittsburgh, with huge blast furnaces, open-hearth facilities, and a neon J&L sign that became landmarks for many Pittsburghers. The plant stood on this stretch of land and on a tract directly across the river. Beginning with a small iron puddling furnace in 1853, J&L expanded into a fully integrated mill by the twentieth century. Over time, it produced iron and steel goods that reflected changing needs, including nails, rails, automobile and machine parts, alloy plate for aircraft and tank armor, and artillery shells. In 1968, J&L was purchased by the LTV Corporation, and the mill remained a major regional presence until its demise in 1984. The coke plant, however, continued operating under the LTV banner until 1998.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · United States