Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Sloss Furnaces was once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world. It stands today just as it did in the late 19th century — a monument to the Industrial Revolution. With its web of pipes and towering stoves, this unique National Historic Landmark provides visitors a glimpse into Birmingham’s rich industrial heritage.
Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama in the United States. It operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971. After closing, it became one of the first industrial sites (and the only blast furnace) in the U.S. to be preserved and restored for public use. In 1981, the furnaces were designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior.
Erected in 1881-82 by noted southern industrialist James Withers Sloss, this is the oldest remaining blast furnace in the area and represents Alabama’s early 20th century preeminence in the production of pig iron and cast iron pipe. The complex, which remained in operation until 1970, is an outstanding symbol of the post-Civil War efforts to industrialize the South and of the intense economic competition that existed between the predominantly agrarian region and the already-industrialized North.
The site currently serves as an interpretive museum of industry and hosts a nationally recognized metal arts program. It also serves as a concert and festival venue. A new visitor center was built 2015 and opened in 2016. The furnace site, along a wide strip of land reserved in Birmingham’s original city plan for railroads and industry, hosts thousands of students through their education programs per year. The museum is free to visit during their operating hours of Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M. and Sunday 12:00 to 4:00 P.M.
The Stock Tunnel
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Location:
20 32nd Street North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Get directions on Googles Maps
GPS:
33°31’9.989″ N 86°47’37.187″ W
Cost:
Sloss Furnaces is free to enter during normal business hours.
Photography Policy:
Visitors to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark who would like to take photographs of the site for personal use (to remember/document their trip, show to family and friends, hang in their homes) are encouraged to do so at NO CHARGE. While we still recommend visiting our Visitor’s Center, you do not need to fill out a Photography Policy application form.
Sloss Furnaces defines amateur photographers as someone who uses professional equipment to take photographs, but does not receive any money or compensation for their product. Any amateur photographer who plans to exhibit their photographs to the public in any way MUST fill out the Photography Policy application form. We ask for a DONATION for using the site and to help fund our education programs.
FEES
‘STUDIO’ PHOTOGRAPHY:
A. Amateur (unpaid) ‘studio’ photography: $20 for up to 3 hours
B. Professional (paid) ‘studio’ photography: See Professional Rates Below
DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY:
A. Drones taking still photographs: $25/hour $80/day
PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL SITE PHOTOGRAPHY (for advertisement, catalogues, or portfolios, social media):
A. For Crews totaling 5 people, including models: $25/hour $75/day
B. For Crews more than 5 people, including models: $35/hour $125/day
C. For Crews more than 10 people, including models: $55/hour $250/day
D. For Crews more than 15 people, including model: $100/hour $500/day
E. Support vehicles, such as motor homes: $75/day
F. Additional fees may apply for extended hours, access to closed areas, or if permitted, any temporary modifications to the site.
VIDEO/FILM WITHIN THE SITE FOR COMMERCIAL OR THEATRICAL
RELEASE:
A. For Crews totaling 15 people, including actors: $50/hour $250/day
B. For Crews more than 15 people, including actors: $100/hour $500/day
C. For Crews more than 25 people, including actors: $200/hour $1,000/day
D. Support vehicles, including trailers: $100/day
E. Drone Video Footage: $50/hour $250/day
F. Additional fees may apply for extended hours, access to closed areas, or if permitted, any temporary modifications to the site.
Hours:
Closed Monday
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Sunday 12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M.
Facilities:
A gift shop and restrooms are located in the visitor center.Location Contact Information:
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
20 32nd Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35222
(205) 254-2025
GENERAL INFORMATION
Regina Nash
Administrative Clerk
(205) 254-2095
Links:
Sloss Furnaces Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Alabama:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
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