Fire Brick Museum
For over a century, the fire brick industry was the primary economic engine of Audrain County with peak employment exceeding 5,000 and payrolls supporting four generations of families. The industry was the driving force of social change in the county and area.
Mexico, Missouri, became a center for fire brick manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the discovery of high-quality clay deposits in the region. Fire bricks, also known as refractory bricks, are specialized bricks designed to withstand extremely high temperatures, making them essential for constructing kilns, furnaces, and other high-heat industrial environments.
The abundance of suitable clay in the Mexico area attracted numerous entrepreneurs who established brick plants, turning the town into a booming industrial center. By the early 1900s, Mexico was home to several prominent fire brick companies, including the Mexico Refractories Company and the A.P. Green Refractories Company, which became one of the largest producers of fire bricks in the world.
A. P. Green’s innovative approaches to manufacturing and his commitment to quality helped establish Mexico, Missouri, as the “Fire Brick Capital of the World.”
In 2008, ACHS built an addition to the existing museum complex to house memorabilia from the “Firebrick Capital of the World”. The Firebrick Museum holds photos, records, equipment, raw materials, and other pieces of our firebrick history.
Outside the Firebrick Museum is a brick walk featuring the names of employees and companies of the industry in Missouri. Bricks are still available for purchase. For more information, contact ACHS.
A Visit to the Fire Brick Museum
For anyone interested in industrial history, materials science, or the story of small-town America, the Fire Brick Museum in Mexico, Missouri, is a must-visit destination. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the world of fire brick manufacturing, an industry that played a crucial role in the development of the modern world.
Visitors to the museum will leave with a greater appreciation for the ingenuity and hard work of the people who built and sustained the fire brick industry in Mexico. The museum’s exhibits not only celebrate the town’s past but also serve as a reminder of the important contributions that small communities can make to global industries.
In conclusion, the Fire Brick Museum in Mexico, Missouri, is a testament to the town’s industrial heritage and its pivotal role in the fire brick manufacturing industry. Through its carefully curated exhibits and educational programs, the museum preserves the legacy of the men and women who helped make Mexico a vital center of industry. A visit to the Fire Brick Museum offers an opportunity to connect with the past, learn about the science and history of fire bricks, and appreciate the enduring impact of this unique and essential industry.