The U.S is home to numerous historical landmarks, but when in Alabama, nothing stands out like the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. The state’s largest city, Birmingham, is where you’ll find this former steel-producing factory that’s now a museum and events venue. Next blog post.
The story of the Sloss Furnaces is the story of Birmingham itself. The city was founded in 1871, just two years after the discovery of iron ore deposits in the area. The first furnace was built in 1882, and by the early 1900s, Birmingham was the largest producer of pig iron in the world.
The Sloss Furnaces operated for almost 100 years, until they were finally closed in 1971. But even after they ceased operation, the furnaces remained an important part of Birmingham’s history. In 1983, the site was designated a National Historic Landmark. And in 1987, it opened to the public as a museum.
Today, the Sloss Furnaces are a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. The site hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and Halloween haunted house tours. And, of course, visitors can tour the furnaces and learn about how the furnaces were operated and the men who toiled there.
You can choose between a self-guided tour or book a guided tour of the facility. There are informative signs throughout the site to guide visitors during their solo tours. All in all, the Sloss Furnaces is a must-see for anyone interested in Birmingham’s history or industrial heritage.
The best way to get to know the city of Birmingham is by understanding its history – and there’s no better place to learn about that history than the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. The gates are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, so come on down and learn about this important part of Alabama’s past.