Remnants Of The 2nd Largest US Steel Manufacturing - SteelStacks

The iconic SteelStacks are actually a series of five blast furnaces used in the iron-making process at Bethlehem Steel for decades.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania became a center of steelmaking due to its strategic location in the Lehigh Valley, which offered access to vital resources and transportation infrastructure. The region’s network of canals allowed for the easy transport of anthracite coal from northeastern Pennsylvania, establishing Bethlehem early on as a hub for iron production. Additionally, the Lehigh River served as a convenient waterway for shipping both raw materials and finished products.

For nearly a century, the steel plant here in Bethlehem served as the economic lifeblood of the community, employing tens of thousands of people while producing the steel that built our nation’s skyscrapers, bridges and even the U.S. Navy. However, in 1995, nearly 120-year of steel production, the plant closed its doors forever.

The community rallied around the icon plant and rather than demolish the historic mill or walk away and let it fall apart, they worked hard to bring new life to the former industrial giant. In 1999, plans to develop and revitalize the former steel plant were created.

The Hoover-Mason Trestle, once a narrow-gauge railroad used to transport coke, limestone, and iron ore from the ore yards to the blast furnaces, has been repurposed into a public walkway. Designed to serve as part museum, part community recreation resource, and part tourist attraction, the trestle now offers visitors a unique glimpse into Bethlehem’s industrial heritage. Running alongside the historic blast furnaces, the structure stands 46 feet tall and stretches 2,000 feet in length. It was opened to the public in 2015 as an elevated promenade, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the iconic steelmaking site.

This transformation is part of a broader effort to preserve the city's industrial past while fostering new cultural and economic opportunities for future generations.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

This map illustrates the Bethlehem Steel Plant. The red marker indicates the location of the SteelStacks, highlighting that they represented only a small portion of the entire operation.

The SteelStackes Visitor Center is located in the restored 1863 Stock House, the oldest building on the former Bethlehem Steel plant site. The center's exterior was restored to its original 1863 appearance. The Stock House was a critical part of the plant, serving as the main office building and housing various operational aspects.

The two largest furnaces are more than 230 feet tall.

One of the two staircases that will bring you to the Hoover-Mason Trestle.

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Walking along the public walkway designed to be part museum, part community recreation resource and part attraction, the trestle stands 46 feet tall and 2,000 feet long.

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There is ample signage along the site to explain different aspects of the site and the people that worked here.

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The A furnace is the oldest, dating from 1915.

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Some of the surrounding abandoned plant buildings as seen from the trestle.

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It is almost a quarter of a mile from the west side of the “A” furnace to the east side of the “E” furnace.

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The furnaces each produced 2,600-3,000 tons of iron per day. Producing one ton of iron requires 3,366 pounds of ore, 1,676 pounds of coke and 724 pounds of limestone

A few old rusted supply rail cars.

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At one time there were seven furnaces.

The Hoover Mason Trestle was once used as a narrow gauge railroad to carry the coke, limestone and iron ore needed to the blast furnaces.

The ventilation pipe

Inside the Blower House machinery with antique gas powered blowing engines designed to pump pressurized air into the blast furnaces.

The Levitt Pavilion is a nonprofit outdoor amphitheater located at the base of the blast furnaces and is part of the larger arts and culture campus hosting free concerts each summer. The pavilion features a unique architectural design using an exposed structural steel frame clad in perforated stainless steel panels.

More images of the surrounding abandoned buildings.

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What you should know:

• There is no admission charge to walk the Hoover Mason Trestle.

• Check website for days and hours of operation of the visitor center, and to check for any special events.

• Stairs and elevator are located between the Bethlehem Visitor Center and the Levitt Pavilion, but there are only stairs on the west end.

• Free parking in the lot outside the Bethlehem Visitors or outside Wind Creek Bethlehem located at 77 Wind Creek Boulevard.

• The trestle may be closed for inclement weather or for a special event.

• There is ample signage along the trestle describing the process, people and equipment.

Location: 711 First Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015

For more information: SteelStacks

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