The Sloss Furnaces

Recently, I revisited one of my favorite places in Alabama. It seems like an odd attraction to consider a favorite, but nevertheless it is. I mean, at its basic level, it is mainly a rusting relic to a bygone era in the history of the Yellowhammer state. The Sloss Furnaces are located just a stone’s throw from bustling downtown Birmingham. The Sloss is the site of the blast furnace plant where pig iron was made for nearly 100 years, and it is the only industrial complex of its type currently being preserved as a museum in the U.S. The rusting collection of blast stoves, smokestacks and furnaces are all that remain to tell the story of a once thriving business that employed thousands of people.

Hot Blast Stove smokestacks

The history of the Sloss Furnaces begins in the latter part of the 19th Century when it was discovered that Birmingham possessed all that was needed to produce quality pig iron. Iron ore, coal and limestone are the basic ingredients required to make pig iron, and Birmingham had rich deposits of all three nearby. In 1882, James Withers Sloss built two blast furnaces on the city’s east side. Along with the competing Alice Furnaces on the city’s west side, Birmingham quickly grew into the mighty industrial center of the new South.

As time passed, the furnaces had to be rebuilt to keep up with technology and new buildings were added to the site such as the blowing engine house. Additional stoves, boilers and other equipment were added to keep up with quickly changing industry standards.

The Sloss Furnaces

The original furnaces were replaced with the ones which are currently on the site. Improvements made during this period included electrical power and a new mechanical loading system for the iron ore, coking coal and limestone needed for the process. Currently, nothing remains of the original furnace complex and the oldest building dates to 1902.

Blast Stove Valves

Hot Blast Stove

As ownership the furnaces changed hands throughout the years, its name changed but not its function. By the early 1950’s, the Sloss was called the Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron Company although it never made steel. It’s owner was now the United States Pipe and Foundry Company, but it would change hands again in 1969. The Jim Walter Company acquired the complex and ultimately deeded the property to the Alabama State Fair Association with the intention that the Sloss would be preserved as a museum.

The Blower Building

That idea didn’t gain much traction though, and the Sloss Furnaces was ultimately slated for destruction. That was until a group of Birmingham residents formed the Sloss Furnace Association in an effort to preserve the historic site. Voters passed a bond referendum to raise the needed funds for the preservation of the Sloss while transitioning it from a decaying industrial complex to a living museum.

The Blower Building generator and wrench

Blast Furnace piping

Initially, the effort to keep the Sloss away from the wrecking ball was in doubt, that is, until the United States Department of the Interior designated the Sloss Furnaces as a National Historic Landmark. Once proponents of the preservation of the Sloss had the national spotlight on it, the project garnered the support needed to proceed. On Labor Day, in 1983, the Sloss Furnaces was opened to the general public.

Visitors tour the Sloss Furnaces

As I mentioned, the Sloss Furnaces is one of my favorite places in Alabama. I think that is because it offers so many different and unique photographic possibilities. It is one of the most popular sites for all types of photographers; wedding, portrait, urban or general subject. It is so popular with wedding and fashion photographers, that the Sloss charges a fee as a way to manage the many requests, and to generate a bit of extra needed funding. Since my last visit to the Sloss, a beautiful new visitors center has been built, which includes a gift shop, auditorium and administrative offices. The Sloss operates metal arts classes and other educational programs year round. As mentioned, it is a popular wedding venue and a site for music concerts.

The Blower Building and Hot Blast Stove

Piping outside the Blower Building

The history of the Sloss is not the only thing that draws me back time and again. The 18-acre site has a distinct abandoned quality that cries out to be photographed. It’s almost spooky. The fact is, the Sloss is one of the top places in the world for paranormal activity research, and has attracted ghost hunters from all over the globe. I can’t say that I have witnessed any shadowy figures myself, but I’ll admit that I’ve felt uneasy there at times. So, consider this a warning if you are planning a visit to the Sloss Furnaces. Take a friend.

The Sloss Furnaces is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am – 4pm. It is located at 20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222.