Lawrence County was founded in 1815 and named for James Lawrence, who during the War of 1812 commanded the USS Chesapeake and is known for saying, "Don't give up the ship!" The county has a total area of 457.28 square miles, and the principal communities include Athalia, Chesapeake, Coal Grove, Hanging Rock, Ironton, Proctorville and South Point.
Lawrence County abounds in natural resources, outdoor recreation, agriculture, business and industry. In addition to area attractions that include Wayne National Forest, Dean State Park, Lake Vesuvius, Old 75 Tunnel and the Scottown Covered Bridge, its county seat, Ironton, lays claim to the nation’s longest-running Memorial Day parade, which was begun in 1868.