Washington Iron Works (Sherman, Texas)

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As Stated on the Historical Marker Presented By The State Of Texas

In 1875 Solon Totten (1847—1932) came to Texas from Quincy, Illinois, looking for better conditions for the family blacksmith business Finding stage companies operating out of Sherman which required blacksmith services, he persuaded his father and family to move here. In 1876 Solon and his brother Levi Totten (1844—1915) opened ''Totten Bros. Blacksmith" on Cherry Street. The business produced wheels for stagecoaches and freight wagons and repaired the vehicles.

L. L. Rousel, Max and Adolph Seisfeld, Noah Swain, Levi and Solon Totten were the original stockholders. The name changed in 1881 to "Washington Iron Works''. After moving North Walnut Street, the firm settled at the current site. By 1893 the Totten Brothers and their father Joseph (1821—1906) retained full control. By 1904 Joseph and Levi Totten had each sold his interest. Solon, active until 1922, and his sons Harry (1877—1964) and Jesse (1880—1946) operated the company for the next 50 years.

The foundry section closed in 1938. During World War II. the Iron Works made gun barrel molds. Since then, this industry, the oldest in Sherman, has expanded to include turbine engines and compressors. It services petrochemical plants, oil and gas refineries and marine interests throughout this hemisphere.

400 East Lamar Street
Sherman, TX