About
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark may not sound exciting or alluring, but this once-hot place is cool!
This industrial complex is easy to spot, with its clay-red furnaces, piping, and discolored chimneys marking the downtown skyline. Before you dismiss visiting based on its looks, read on.
Sloss Furnaces came into existence in 1881 with the entrepreneurial spirit of Colonel James Withers Sloss. As a visionary, he knew Birmingham had the three key ingredients to become an Iron Baron city: coal, iron ore, and limestone.
By 1882, Sloss Furnaces produced pig iron for railroads, infrastructure, and industrial expansion. The company grew and expanded, and jobs became plentiful, which resulted in Birmingham's explosive growth and earned it the monikers The Magic City and Iron City.
Operations continued until 1971, when technological advances and shifting economics rendered the complex obsolete. After a dedicated preservation effort, the site reopened in 1983 as a museum and public space.
Now, here is where our story gets interesting. In addition to touring the only blast furnace in the country, Sloss supports iron and bronze casting as art. You'll also spot some sculptures on the grounds and in the gift shop.
But we're only getting started! Because the industrial setting is far from neighborhoods, Sloss is your go-to for outdoor concerts and events. Picture colored lights illuminating the chimneys and furnaces, and pulsing music from a concert stage. It's a surreal world where 1900s industrialization blends with contemporary sights and sounds.
Lastly, it is near other key landmarks like Avondale Park and The Market at Pepper Place. Such convenience makes combining multiple attractions on your Birmingham vacation easy.
So, there you have it! While the name and structures may be an initial turnoff, the art, events, and history at Sloss make it a hot find!
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark: Fun Facts & Cool Feature
Here are some astounding facts that amaze history buffs.
- 900 tons of iron were produced daily
- 5 million gallons of water were used daily to cool pipes
- 3.5 million tons of iron ore were used daily
- 2.3 million pounds of coke were delivered daily for the furnaces
While Sloss Furnaces is not part of the Civil Rights District, it nevertheless contributed to the disparity of segregation.
Sloss hired Black workers but only in lower-capacity positions and used free labor from convicts, most of whom were black. For an in-depth look into these troubling times, visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th St. Baptist Church.
The on-site metalworking program is a must-see for those with an eye for art. Blacksmiths and sculptors use historic blast furnaces, centuries-old techniques, and modern methods to forge stunning pieces. Explore some of these wonders in the Sculpture Garden and purchase works in the gift shop.
As mentioned, the events at Sloss are mind-blowing! The Shed hosts concerts and events for crowds of 3,000. The 32-acre outdoor space plays host to massive shows where attendance can surge to 15,000. Toss in events like Magic City Art Connection, Taco Fest, and Festa Italiana; there's never a dull moment at Sloss!
After a tour or before a show, visit nearby restaurants. Bamboo on 2nd and SAW's Soul Kitchen exemplify Birmingham's diversity of cuisine, ensuring something for every palate.
As you can see, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is more than an industrial wasteland. Here, history, art, music, and community unite, thrive, and will transform any Alabama getaway.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Birmingham to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark:
- Head northeast on 20th St N toward 4th Ave N.
- Take a right onto 1st Ave N and continue for 1.3 miles.
- Turn left at 32nd St N.
- Address: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222.
Local Tips
- Sign up for a guided tour for a more immersive experience.
- Schedule a visit when Sloss hosts a concert or event.
- For self-guided tours, allow 1-2 hours to explore the site.
- Let Sloss host your private or corporate event.
