John Moebus Stove Store, Court Street, circa 1888 |
Merchants had been part of Hamilton's business scene from the early
1800's when commercial activities included sending flatboats down river
to New Orleans. Products shipped included agricultural surpluses produced
on the rich farmland surrounding Hamilton.
In 1828, when the newly opened Miami Canal began providing merchants with year-round shipping to Middletown and Cincinnati, commerce continued to grow. By the 1850's, railroads offered a faster method of transport. |
| As Hamilton's commercial prospects diminished, manufacturing was able to increase. The growth in industry occurred due to the completion of the Hamilton Hydraulic in 1845. The hydraulic was a waterway that looked similar to a canal, but its purpose was to provide power rather than transportation. Inexpensive water power, along with the arrival of large numbers of immigrants to fill the workforce, met the needs of factory production. Many businessmen shifted their capital to manufacturing interests. | 
Niles Tool Works, built adjacent
|
Continue your virtual tour to discover
the job opportunities
offered by Hamilton manufacturers.
© 2000, Butler County Historical Society