Forged in 1862

The Story Behind the Shield: 160+ Years of Craftsmanship and Metal Mastery

The Stewart story begins in 1862, when Richard Clayborne Stewart Sr. opened the Stewart Iron Fence Company in Covington, Kentucky. Within just a few years, his team had grown to more than 150 employees, laying a strong foundation for what would become one of Kentucky’s most respected businesses.

By the turn of the century, Stewart Iron Works had grown into the largest ornamental fence company in the world and the largest ornamental iron furniture manufacturer in the country. With more than 700 team members and an ever-expanding portfolio, Stewart began to leave a mark that would prove to be as enduring as our metalwork.

From the beginning, Stewart stamped a physical seal of master craftsmanship onto every piece of custom metalwork. The Stewart Shield soon became a recognizable feature on projects of national significance: benches and site amenities for Central Park, light fixtures for the U.S. Capitol, gates surrounding the Panama Canal, and jail cells for Alcatraz, Sing Sing, and Leavenworth. Wherever the shield appeared, it represented more than a company name. It stood for American ingenuity, endurance, and craftsmanship.

Resilience + Lasting Durability 

Much like the metal we forge, Stewart has weathered unpredictable seasons of American history with strength and resilience. 

During the early 1900s, Stewart Iron Works diversified under three banners: Stewart Structural and Iron Bridge Company, Stewart Iron Fence Works, and Stewart Jail Works. Partnerships and mergers expanded our reach from cemetery fencing to military vehicles, including the heavy-duty trucks used by the U.S. Army in World War I.

When the post-war housing market boomed, so did the demand for residential metalwork. Stewart’s workforce grew to more than 3,000 to meet the increased need for residential fencing, estate gates, and high-end interior ornamental railings. 

As the market shifted yet again with the onset of the Great Depression, Stewart leaned into jail manufacturing, which had thrived during Prohibition. Stewart even produced housings for Tommy guns, the submachine weapons favored by the era’s notorious gangsters.

World War II called Stewart back to the frontlines of innovation, manufacturing tank armor and portable Bailey bridges. But the post-war climate limited government contracts, requiring yet another pivot. During the 1950s, Stewart turned its attention to chain link fencing, eventually securing contracts to line the new interstate highway system from coast to coast.

The 1960s ushered in a new era of family leadership, and by the late 20th century, Stewart experienced a revival. While competitors moved away from traditional wrought iron, Stewart preserved the artistry and equipment required for true hand-forging. When demand for authentic craftsmanship returned, we were uniquely positioned to deliver.

A New Chapter of Craftsmanship 

In 2005, Stewart Iron Works expanded under new leadership, adding steel, aluminum, bronze, glass, and stainless steel to our capabilities. 

In 2019, Huseman Group acquired Stewart Iron Works, forging a strong partnership built on quality craftsmanship, putting the customer first, and doing it right. Today, Stewart Iron Works is a leader in the custom commercial metal fabrication and ornamental metal industry. From Division 5 and Division 32 metalwork to custom ornamental pieces and historic preservation, Stewart’s capabilities and expertise continue to be rooted in a tradition of master craftsmanship, collaboration, and a legacy our partners know and trust. 

Masters of Our Craft

As the Stewart Shield has evolved from a physical emblem to a symbol of trusted expertise, its meaning has not changed. It’s still the mark of master craftsmanship and a promise that every Stewart project is backed by quality, artistry, and a commitment to doing it right. 

To discover how Stewart’s legacy can help you create and preserve yours, please reach out.