Lawrence County, like most other areas, is a melting pot of various nationalities. The greatest impact on the county was caused by several different migrations over the years. To begin, Lawrence County was settled by people largely from the Carolinas. These people were mostly farmers with a few tradesmen, such as harness makers, blacksmiths, and carpenters. The primary industries were sawmills, grist mills, cotton mills and iron ore mines. The arrival of the railroad in Lawrence County in 1883 helped to make the county one of the leading producers of iron ore.

In the early 1870’s, a large number of German Catholic people came in search of better land, bringing many skilled tradesmen. Between 1908 and 1915, families moved here from Cullman, Winston, and Morgan Counties in Alabama. Most of these were cotton growers or in the timber industry. Cotton was a major crop until the 1960’s. The timber industry declined because new trees were not planted.

In 1944, the Amish people migrated to this area and have been an asset ever since. They are simple-living people, holding onto their strong religious and cultural beliefs. They do not believe in bearing arms, worldly pleasures, electricity, mechanical machinery or automobiles. They are farmers and skilled craftsmen, and one of this counties main tourist attractions.

Life in Lawrence County was changed forever in the late 1950′ and early 1960’s with the influx of factory workers when Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company relocated its factory here. They are one of the world’s largest producers of bicycles and lawn mowers.