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Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Explore Birmingham's industrial past at this unique National Historic Landmark, a preserved 20th-century blast furnace and museum.

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Explore the haunting remains of Sloss Furnaces, a former pig iron production facility in Birmingham, Alabama, now a preserved National Historic Landmark. Wander through the towering blast furnaces, inspect the intricate network of pipes and machinery, and delve into the site's significant role in the region's industrial past.

A brief summary to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Check the Sloss Furnaces website for upcoming events, workshops, and guided tour schedules [3].
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique industrial landscape and the imposing structures.
  • Consider visiting during the cooler months, as the site can get very hot during the summer.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Sloss Furnaces is located in downtown Birmingham, a few minutes from the Amtrak station [4]. From the station, head north on 19th Street, then turn right onto 1st Avenue North. Continue onto 1st Ave N, then turn left onto 32nd Street North. The entrance to Sloss Furnaces will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    MAX Transit operates bus routes that stop near Sloss Furnaces [20, 26]. From various points in Birmingham, take bus routes 25 or 100 [15, 26]. Check the MAX Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. The nearest bus station to Sloss Furnaces is Sloss Furnance (Ib), which is a 7 min walk away [15, 26]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [15].

  • Driving

    Sloss Furnaces is located at 20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222 [18, 25]. From I-20/59, take the 31st Street exit. Head north on 31st Street, then turn right onto 1st Avenue North. Turn left onto 32nd Street North. Sloss Furnaces will be on your left. Free parking is available at the Sloss Furnaces complex, accessed at the intersection of 32nd Street and 2nd Avenue North [13, 16]. Additional parking options are available nearby, with varying hourly and daily rates [11, 14, 19].

Unlock the Best of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

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Discover more about Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Sloss Furnaces stands as a monument to Birmingham's industrial might, a sprawling complex where pig iron was produced from 1882 to 1971 [10]. Today, it's a unique museum offering a glimpse into the gritty reality of the iron-making process and the lives of the workers who toiled here [4, 6]. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981, Sloss Furnaces is the only 20th-century blast furnace in the U.S. to be preserved and opened to the public as a museum [3, 10]. Visitors can explore the site on self-guided tours, using brochures to navigate the maze of machinery and learn about the various stages of iron production [3, 4, 7]. Knowledgeable volunteers also conduct guided tours on select days [4, 5]. The site includes two 400-ton blast furnaces and around forty other buildings [9]. The oldest building dates back to 1902 and houses the steam-driven blowing engines [9]. Sloss Furnaces played a vital role in Birmingham's rapid growth, producing 24,000 tons of high-quality iron in its first year [6, 9]. The site also has a darker side, with a history of racial injustice, union busting, and dangerous working conditions [3]. Many believe the site is haunted by the spirits of former workers [4, 6]. Beyond its historical significance, Sloss Furnaces is a cultural hub, hosting concerts, festivals, weddings, and corporate events [3, 16]. It is also home to a metal arts program, offering workshops and exhibitions [3, 4, 5].

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