Bethlehem Steel Mill - Bethlehem PA
Posted by: 
nomadwillie
N 40° 36.883 W 075° 22.044
18T E 468921 N 4496053
Bethlehem Steel Corporation was America's second-largest steel producer and largest shipbuilder. The Bethlehem Steel factory in Bethlehem PA produced iron and steel for 140+ years at this location.
Waymark Code: WMJ4XG
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 09/24/2013
Views: 12
The Bethlehem Steel Corporation got its start in 1857 as the Saucona Iron Company. In 1860 it was renamed Bethlehem Rolling Mill and Iron Company. It's major impetus as a company came in the late 1880's when the United States Navy decided to replace its arsernal with steam-driven, steel-hulled warships.
During World War I and World War II, Bethlehem Steel was a major supplier of armor plate and ordnance to the U.S. armed forces, including armor plate and large-caliber guns for the Navy.
The Bethlehem Steel Corporation installed the grey rolling mill and producing the first wide-flange structural shapes to be made in America. These shapes were largely responsible for ushering in the age of the skyscraper and establishing Bethlehem Steel as the leading supplier of steel to the construction industry.
US's steel making dominance lasted about 20 years, however technological changes and modernization were not the concern of Bethlehem Steel's Board of Directors, taking the short term profits over long term viablility. By the 1970s, imported foreign steel was generally cheaper than domestically produced steel. The company faced growing competition from mini-mills, smaller scale operations that could sell steel at lower prices.
At the end of 1995, it closed steel-making at the main Bethlehem plant. After roughly 150+ years of metal production at its Bethlehem, Pennsylvania plant, Bethlehem Steel ceased operations in Bethlehem.
Today the 5 blast furnaces stands as a tribute and backdrop for a Arts and Entertainment complex in Bethlehem. The area is known as Steel Stacks.
Year built?: 1857
Is the mill or gin still in operation?: No
What is or was processed here?: Iron Ore into Steel
Are tours available?: Yes, on a regular basis.
How is or was it powered?: Blast Furnance
Related link to this waymark.: [Web Link]
What is it used as today?: Various businesses/museum/ casino.
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Visit Instructions:
A picture of the mill or gin along with any information you can provide about the waymark and what you might have experienced while visiting.