Sloss Furnaces

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Sloss Furnaces
Alabama HOME SWEET HOME
The story of Sloss Furnaces is the story of Birmingham – one of the South’s first industrial powerhouses. And
though the blast furnaces ceased operations decades ago, the Sloss facility remains a historic hub of activity,
discovery and learning for tourists and residents alike. n A century after its founding, Sloss was designated
a National Historic Landmark in 1981 and opened in 1983 as a city museum. Today, Sloss is home to
concerts and festivals, educational programs, lectures, training,
and tours for educators and students alike.
“Sloss Furnaces is one of the most recognizable and beloved
landmarks in Birmingham,” says Karen Utz, curator for Sloss
Furnaces. “The city has gone to great lengths to preserve and
restore this unique piece of history so that it can be appreciated
by present and future generations.”
LOCAL FACTORY TO WORLD SUPPLIER
Originally known as City Furnaces, Sloss was built in 1882 by
Alabama planter and investor James Withers Sloss who retired
in 1886 and sold the company to a group of Virginia financiers.
The business reorganized in 1899 as Sloss-Sheffield Steel and
Iron and became the second largest merchant pig-iron company
in the Birmingham district. By World War I, Sloss-Sheffield
was among the largest producers of pig iron in the world.
The factory was extensively rebuilt and modernized in the
late 1920s and increased production in the 1930s when World
War II expanded the market for iron. Sloss Furnaces operated
as a leading foundry iron producer until the factory closed in
1971.
provide iron-casting activities for children and adults.
The apprentices’ works are included in a public exhibition
at summer’s end and then sold in the Sloss Museum Store and
local galleries to support future apprentices.
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE
Sloss Furnaces provides a multitude of learning opportunities
for students and adults that bring history to life.
Sloss Furnaces Education Department offers school programs
that are appropriate for all age levels, from pre-school to college
and continuing education. Sloss also coordinates tours for
educators and students, adult lectures, teacher training,
A METAL ARTS MECCA
Thanks to historic preservation efforts and civic pride, Sloss
remains a focal point of creativity in Birmingham. Sloss is
home to one of the nation’s leading metal arts programs and
offers workshops, exhibitions, and conferences on all aspects of
metal sculpture.
For young artists, an eight-week summer apprenticeship program gives talented high school students an opportunity to take
part in a variety of school education programs that involve casting iron. Outreach programs take a furnace and crew of artists to
schools and community festivals all over Alabama where artists
community-based education programs, and volunteer and
docent opportunities.
Tours of Sloss Furnaces are among Birmingham’s most
popular activities. After an introductory video, visitors take a
walking tour of the site where they can see such highlights as
the apron of the furnace, the blowing engine room, and an
underground stock trestle tunnel.
“Sloss is an outstanding resource for generating interest
in Southern history and encouraging people to learn about
Birmingham,” says Utz. “Regardless of age, visitors are
fascinated by the facility and the many ways that Sloss
contributed to Birmingham’s growth and progress. It’s a
special part of our past.” n
VISIT SLOSS FURNACES ONLINE: www.slossfurnaces.com
The Sloss Furnaces’
water tower and
smoke stacks give
visitors a glimpse
into Birmingham’s
industrial past.
Metal artists at Sloss
Furnaces “tap” the
furnace to create their
iron art sculpture.
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