Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Foundations of Beehive Coke Ovens
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 15, 2021
1. Foundations of Beehive Coke Ovens Marker
Inscription.
Foundations of Beehive Coke Ovens. . Originally Sloss Furnaces had 120 beehive coke ovens on site, each twelve feet in diameter. (similar to photo) They were called 'beehive' as they had domed ceilings, were built close together to maximize the benefits of their collective heat, and were charged through a hole in the roof. Coal would gradually be reduced to coke from the top of the oven downward in a process that took up to three days. By the early 1900s, Sloss had 288 beehive coke ovens on site (coke was used as a fuel source in the furnaces). In 1920 a new by-product coke plant was opened in North Birmingham which caused Sloss to decommission and dismantle the ovens.
Originally Sloss Furnaces had 120 beehive coke ovens on site,
each twelve feet in diameter. (similar to photo)
They were called 'beehive' as they had domed ceilings,
were built close together to maximize the benefits
of their collective heat, and were charged through a hole
in the roof. Coal would gradually be reduced to coke from the top
of the oven downward in a process that took up to three days.
By the early 1900s, Sloss had 288 beehive coke ovens on site
(coke was used as a fuel source in the furnaces).
In 1920 a new by-product coke plant was opened
in North Birmingham which caused
Sloss to decommission and dismantle the ovens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 33° 31.263′ N, 86° 47.345′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Sloss Furnace Entry Road south of 32nd Street North, on the left when traveling south. Located near the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 32nd St N, Birmingham AL 35233, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frisco No. 4018 (a few steps from this marker); Sloss Furnaces (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sloss Blast Furnaces (about 400 feet
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 15, 2021
2. Foundations of Beehive Coke Ovens Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
