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Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

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Address

20 32nd Street NorthBirmingham, AL 35222

Facts

Sloss Furnaces operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971. Now Sloss operates as a interpretive museum and hosts concerts, festivals, private and public events as well as nationally-recognized metal arts program. Sloss Furnaces produced iron for over 90 years and was important player in the economic development of the region. In 1981 Sloss received National Historic Landmark designation. In 1983 Sloss opened it's doors as a museum of the City of Birmingham.

Things To Do

Festivals, Concert Venue, Photograph, Events, 2013 National Cast Iron Conference, Weddings, Field trips, Guided tours, Iron Pour, Educational Film, Workshops, Events Rental

Hours

Mondays Closed
Tue - Sat 10AM - 4PM
Sunday 12PM - 4PM

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a fascinating industrial site located in Birmingham, Alabama, that was once a booming center of iron production. The site now stands as a testament to the city’s industrial heritage and serves as an educational destination for visitors. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist attraction.

The history of Sloss Furnaces dates back to the late 1800s when it was founded by James Withers Sloss. The site was initially established as a small blast furnace, but it grew into one of the largest iron-making facilities in the Southeast by the early 1900s. The furnaces operated for almost 90 years, producing pig iron that was used in the construction of railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Today, Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the site’s industrial history and learn about the process of iron production through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and demonstrations. The site also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, including the Sloss Music and Arts Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

One of the most distinctive features of Sloss Furnaces is its collection of industrial machinery and equipment. Visitors can see massive blast furnaces, towering smokestacks, and a variety of other machines and tools used in the iron-making process. The site’s preserved industrial buildings are also worth exploring, and visitors can get a sense of what life was like for the workers who toiled in these harsh conditions.

In addition to its historical significance, Sloss Furnaces is also an important site for environmental conservation. The site is home to a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. The Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark Preservation Society works to preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources and to educate visitors about the importance of environmental conservation.

Overall, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Alabama’s rich industrial history. Whether you’re interested in the history of iron production, the architecture of industrial buildings, or the natural environment, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Sloss Furnaces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LftnPF97fNg

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