Southside in 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. 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. It is in Southside. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

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

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(about 400 feet away); Racial Terrorism and Convict Leasing / Racial Violence at Brookside Mines (about 400 feet away); Casting Pigs (about 500 feet away); The Stock Trestle (about 500 feet away); The Blast Furnace (about 500 feet away); Duncan House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.

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 596 times since then and 35 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.