The Bethlehem Beam
Hard As Steel
The strong, lightweight structural beam makes up the framework of buildings, bridges, and other structures. These wide flange beams were first made in 1907 right here in Bethlehem, using inventor Henry Grey's innovative rolling mill. Grey's process used a series of rolls to shape the beam from a single piece of steel. These new Bethlehem Beams made it possible to build taller, stronger, and cheaper.
What's different about the Bethlehem Beam?
1 Weight
Compared with its great strength, the Bethlehem Beam uses relatively little material. Its strength means that beams can be placed further apart, decreasing weight and material cost.
2 Bending
Because of its geometry, the Bethlehem Beam resists bending, even under great stress. It can support tremendous loads, both vertically and horizontally.
3 Adaptable
The Grey Mill, known for its adaptable design, lets workers customize the beams by simply adjusting the position of the rolls.
Erected by SteelStacks. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 40° 36.902′ N, 75°
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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Lehigh Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bethlehem Built (a few steps from this marker); A Legacy of Steel (a few steps from this marker); The Blower House (within shouting distance of this marker); One Of The Hardest Jobs In The World (within shouting distance of this marker); A Community of Workers (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot, Loud, & Dangerous (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Air Products (about 400 feet away); Making Iron (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.
Also see . . .
1. Bethlehem Steel. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 11, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. I Beam at Wikipedia. (Submitted on February 6, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. What is SteelStacks?. (Submitted on February 6, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,671 times since then and 273 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
