Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation (J&L)

Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation (J&L) was a prominent American steel and iron manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 1852 as the American Iron Company by Bernard Lauth and Benjamin Franklin Jones, the company played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s industrial development. In 1861, James Laughlin joined the enterprise, leading to its rebranding as Jones & Laughlin Steel Company. 

J&L’s operations were primarily situated along the Monongahela River, with extensive facilities on both the South Side and Hazelwood neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. The company’s headquarters, constructed in 1907, was located in downtown Pittsburgh and is recognized as a City of Pittsburgh Historic Landmark. 

Throughout its history, J&L was instrumental in producing steel for various industries, including construction, transportation, and defense. The company’s mills and furnaces were integral to Pittsburgh’s reputation as a steel manufacturing hub. However, like many steel producers, J&L faced challenges in the mid-20th century due to industry decline and competition. In 1968, the company merged with Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) Corporation, marking the end of its independent operations. 

Today, the legacy of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation is preserved through historical landmarks and photographic collections that document its impact on Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage. 

• The William C. Moreland was a state-of-the-art freighter when launched in September 1910, designed for heavy cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Her robust construction and modern design symbolized the peak of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipbuilding. However, the perilous waters and notorious reefs of Lake Superior proved formidable even for such advanced vessels.