West Homestead in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Steelmaking Capital of the World
Homestead Steel Works
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
1. Steelmaking Capital of the World Marker
Inscription.
Steelmaking Capital of the World. Homestead Steel Works. For over a century, the massive Homestead Steel Works defined the Pittsburgh Region as the steelmaking capital of the world. Opened in 1881 by a handful of industrialists eager to take part in the industrial boom, the Homestead Works flourished after Andrew Carnegie purchased it in 1883. In 1901, when J.P. Morgan bought Carnegie's holdings and formed United States Steel, the Homestead Works was poised to become one of Unites States Steel's most important mills. , , At its height, the Homestead Works had an annual capacity of more than nine million tons of steel used to manufacture a variety of products. , , Homestead rolled armor plate for ships and tanks. It produced beams and steel pilings for buildings, locks, dams and bridges. Axles and wheels from Homestead kept passenger and freight traffic rolling on the world's railroads. , , When the Homestead Works shut down in 1986, the mill occupied 430 acres atop which were 450 buildings. Through the years it had employed 200,000 workers and made unprecedented amounts of steel.
For over a century, the massive Homestead Steel Works defined the Pittsburgh Region as the steelmaking capital of the world. Opened in 1881 by a handful of industrialists eager to take part in the industrial boom, the Homestead Works flourished after Andrew Carnegie purchased it in 1883. In 1901, when J.P. Morgan bought Carnegie's holdings and formed United States Steel, the Homestead Works was poised to become one of Unites States Steel's most important mills.
At its height, the Homestead Works had an annual capacity of more than nine million tons of steel used to manufacture a variety of products.
Homestead rolled armor plate for ships and tanks. It produced beams and steel pilings for buildings, locks, dams and bridges. Axles and wheels from Homestead kept passenger and freight traffic rolling on the world's railroads.
When the Homestead Works shut down in 1986, the mill occupied 430 acres atop which were 450 buildings. Through the years it had employed 200,000 workers and made unprecedented amounts of steel.
Erected by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 40° 24.465′ N, 79° 55.01′
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W. Marker is in West Homestead, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. Marker can be reached from West Bridge Street, 0.1 miles West Waterfront Drive. Located in a little park behind Starbucks. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Homestead PA 15120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 13, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.