Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Sloss Furnaces

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 15, 2021

1. Sloss Furnaces Marker

Inscription. The crossing of railroads in 1872 adjacent to this site gave rise to the industrial city of Birmingham. In 1881 Alabama railroad magnate and entrepreneur James Withers Sloss, capitalizing on the unusual coincidence of coal, iron ore and limestone in the area, founded the Sloss Furnace Company as an iron manufacturer and built blast furnaces beside the railroad crossing. Production of pig iron at Sloss Furnaces began in 1882 and continued for almost 90 years. Early 20th century additions to the facility represent important technological developments in the iron-making process and serve as a monument to the thousands who have worked in Birmingham industry.

Donated to the City of Birmingham in 1971 by Jim Walter Corporation, the Sloss Furnaces were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.

Erected 1984 by Birmingham Historical Society in Cooperation with the Sloss Furnace Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Notable Places • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 33° 31.284′ N, 86° 47.412′ W. Marker is

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in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from 1st Avenue North (U.S. 11) near 32nd Street North. Marker located just inside the gated entrance to the grounds of Sloss Furnaces next to the gift Shop. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Twenty 32nd Street North, Birmingham AL 35222, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sloss Blast Furnaces (a few steps from this marker); Racial Terrorism and Convict Leasing / Racial Violence at Brookside Mines (within shouting distance of this marker); Duncan House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sloss Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Blast Furnace (about 300 feet away); Casting Pigs (about 300 feet away); The Stock Trestle (about 300 feet away); Foundations of Beehive Coke Ovens (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.

Also see . . . More About Sloss Furnaces Historic Landmark. (Submitted on October 21, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)

Photographed By Tim Carr, June 25, 2009

2. Sloss Furnaces Marker

Entrance To Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Carr, August 14, 2009

3. Entrance To Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Carr, August 11, 2007

4. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

The Railroad and Sloss Furnaces image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Carr, March 2, 2009

5. The Railroad and Sloss Furnaces

James Withers Sloss (April 7, 1820 – May 4, 1890), founder of the Sloss Furnaces. image. Click for full size.

Public domain

6. James Withers Sloss (April 7, 1820 – May 4, 1890), founder of the Sloss Furnaces.

Sloss Furnace. Pig Iron Ready to Ship, Birmingham, Alabama. image. Click for full size.

circa 1910

7. Sloss Furnace. Pig Iron Ready to Ship, Birmingham, Alabama.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,444 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 18, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 21, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 6. submitted on May 7, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 7. submitted on October 6, 2013. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.