Founded about 1870 as one of Calvert's first industries, the Old Calvert Foundry and Manufacturing Company operated in a building of county-made brick with an iron facade from St. Louis. Iron ore from local deposits and from Cherokee County, 100 miles northeast, was hauled here by horse-drawn wagons to be made into farm tools and other sturdy articles. Prominent Texans owned the foundry, including J. Adoue, a member of a French family noted in state business who was an incorporator.