Sloss Furnaces: The Most Haunted Place in Alabama

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Sloss Furnace is a historic landmark in Birmingham, Alabama, that was once the largest producer of pig iron in the world. The furnace operated from 1882 to 1971, and was a vital part of the industrial revolution in the South. However, the furnace also has a dark and tragic history, as many workers suffered and died from the harsh and dangerous conditions. Some of these workers are said to still haunt the furnace today, making it one of the most haunted places in America.





The furnace was built by Colonel James Withers Sloss, a railroad tycoon who saw the potential of Birmingham's rich iron ore deposits. He hired hundreds of workers, mostly African Americans and immigrants, to work in the furnace. The workers had to endure long hours, low wages, extreme heat, and constant risk of injury or death. Many workers were burned, crushed, or suffocated by the molten metal or the gases in the furnace. Some workers were also killed by accidents or violence from their supervisors or fellow workers.


One of the most notorious figures in the history of Sloss Furnace is James "Slag" Wormwood, who was the foreman of the night shift from 1906 to 1909. Wormwood was known for his cruelty and greed, as he pushed his workers to produce more iron than the day shift, even if it meant sacrificing their safety. He would often force his workers to work near the top of the furnace, where the temperature could reach 120 degrees. Many workers fell or were pushed into the furnace by Wormwood, and their bodies were melted along with the iron. Wormwood met his own fate in 1909, when he fell into the furnace during an explosion. Some say it was an accident, while others say it was revenge from his workers.


The furnace closed in 1971, due to competition and environmental regulations. It was later turned into a museum and a national historic landmark, and is open to the public for tours and events. However, many visitors and staff have reported paranormal activity at the furnace, such as seeing apparitions, hearing voices and screams, feeling cold spots and touches, and smelling burning flesh. Some of the most haunted areas are the tunnel where Wormwood's ghost is said to lurk, the blower building where many workers died from gas poisoning, and the cast shed where workers were burned by molten metal.


Sloss Furnace is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are interested in history and hauntings, it is a fascinating and eerie place to visit. The furnace offers guided tours during the day, and haunted tours during October. There are also special events such as concerts, festivals, and workshops throughout the year. If you dare to visit Sloss Furnace, be prepared to encounter some of its restless spirits who still linger in its dark and dusty halls.

Location: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA

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