By Larry Peters, Copper Development Association Project Manager & Architectural Applications Specialist

While in Richmond last month, I visited the Tredegar Iron Works, now a National Historic Landmark and Main Visitor Center for the Park Service?s Richmond National Battlefield Park.
When thinking of historic preservation, one often thinks of beautiful residences, churches or government buildings.  Industrial sites, in spite of their importance, get little attention.
The museum, with exhibits covering the Iron Work?s importance as the major supplier of artillery (much of it cast in bronze) to the Confederate Army during the U.S. Civil War, is very interesting.  Just think how hundreds of workers, with technology of the times, manufactured such heavy pieces.  Pouring molten iron and bronze on a hot Virginia summer day with absolutely no air conditioning! On the grounds of the center are three very nice (and large) copper cupolas, removed from the Old Virginia State Penitentiary, before its demolition in 1992.
These once provided ventilation to the building.  Hot air rises and escapes through the vents.  Overall, they were expertly formed and in excellent condition.  The largest one is easily at least 12-foot tall.
Look closely atop the main building on this image of the penitentiary I found at the Virginia State Archives. Same cupolas!

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