Decades after the iron furnaces stopped burning, Ironton's industrial history led to the city's day in the sun.

Thursday morning, the city of Ironton received a marker from the Ohio Historical Society, designating it as a historical site for being an Ohio River industrial hub. Ironton was the ninth in 12 stops along the river as the sidewheeler riverboat Chattanooga Star stopped in cities between Marietta and Cincinnati to drop off the markers. The boat docked at Ironton's Center Street Landing late Wednesday afternoon.

Shortly after, two Whitwell Elementary third-graders, Brady Whitley and Dakota Bryant, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and other speakers came to the podium. Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary told the audience a story about he nearly had to bail out the city's guests Thursday morning, Star captains Mike and Pete Hosemann, to whom he presented a key to the city.

"We had breakfast for them this morning at the city building, but they got lost and wound up at the county jail. The next time they end up in jail, they'll have a key to get out."

After the marker was unveiled, Bill Dickens, the writer of the marker's text, discussed Ironton's proud history and hopes for the future.

"Ironton was one busy place," he said. "We want to bring those jobs back and see that type of prosperity again."

Laura Galvin, Southeast regional coordinator for the Ohio Bicentennial Committee, has been to all of the recent river celebrations, but the smaller cities, she said, have some of the best celebrations.

"Each place is different, but the smallest areas usually have the best celebrations and turnout," she said. "It's great to see the pride and joy overall."

Some of the most joyful attendees were students from schools including Open Door School, the Ironton High School band and Burlington Elementary's fifth grade. The students toured the boat after the ceremony, cheering and waving to friends on land.

"Look! There's a fish," one of the younger students said.

The Ironton Co-Operative Club organized the celebration, making members such as Virginia Bryant work many long hours. Nevertheless, the work paid off for her.

"It's just a great day for Ironton," she said. "There was one boy who was in a wheelchair, and he was carried on the boat. He was just beaming. That made it worth it all."

Capt. Mike Hosemann, watching the children cheer on the boat, was able to justify his days on the river. He and his brother said they would back next year for the Star's program called RiverTrek Inc., a non-profit educational program providing schools, organizations and the general public the chance to learn about the American Inland Waterways System.

"This is why I do this," he said. "If we are dedicated to the future of the rivers, we have to be dedicated to the education of our children. These will soon be their rivers. The situation of our rivers depends on how well we teach our children."