The discovery of rich and valuable natural resources accelerated the region’s growth in the mid- to late-1800s. The discoveries of ore and minerals and the arrival of the railroads brought the Industrial Revolution to Leeds’ doorstep. In fact, as a newly incorporated city, Leeds was named for the noted industrial city of England where a bricklayer invented the Portland cement process.The mineral findings brought Leeds Standard Portland Cement Company as well as population growth to Leeds. Known today as Lehigh, this company has continuously operated since 1906."