The Haunted History behind Alabama's Sloss Furnaces - 3rd Palm Paranormal Places
- NICHOLAS DODGE
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Sloss Furnaces, located in Birmingham, Alabama have been nicknamed the "Birthplace of Birmingham". Today the furnaces no longer produce iron, having been closed down in 1971 after a tragic incident. But nearly a decade after it closed, it had reopened as a national historic landmark in 1981.
Currently the owners of the Sloss Furnaces hold numerous events to the public, including historical tours, block parties, music festivals, and more. But its legacy is darker than what's being marketed, with tens of deaths and a violent history, it's no wonder that the Sloss Furnaces still maintains a spot in America's most haunted places.
Presently:
The Sloss Furnaces are not only a national historic landmark, but they've become equipped for events of all kinds. From a conference room that seats 10 in a bright modern space, to a large indoor event-area that can hold anywhere between 240-400 people, and an enormous outdoor space that can accompany around 15,000+ people! It has become a highly active place for events of all types, ranging from historic tours to EDM festivals, live iron-pouring showcases and so much more.
There's also been a strong emphasis on corporate meetings being held here, as the Sloss Furnaces offer opportunities for various business retreats and team building workshops.
Sloss Furnaces also offers one of the best and most widely utilized metal arts services in the country, from iron to bronze casting. Groups of up to 250 people can test their grit at pouring molten hot iron from a coke-hot furnace. Much of what pays for the expenses for these experiences is funded by local grants, commissioned art pieces, and items cast from bronze and iron being sold at the Sloss Furnace gift shop.
There's certainly a whole lot happening at the Sloss Furnaces these days, with the area being highly active with events, tours, corporate meetings, and the like. But underneath all of the fun and excitement lies a devious history, one that you typically won't hear about or see from the modernized marketing of the current owners, and for good reason...
Sloss Furnaces' Dark Past:
In 1880, Coronel James Sloss, one of the founders of Birmingham, Alabama wanted to bring train tracks to his city. Nearly 78,000 square miles of granted land later and with construction by a Harry Hargreaves, the Sloss Furnaces were built. Within their first year the furnaces had produced around 24,000 tons of quality iron.
But in 1886 the Sloss Furnaces had changed ownership. By 1927 a secondary furnace was added to the location, along with 48 employee-houses meant to shelter mainly black workers stationed near the furnaces themselves, with many black workers having been former slaves.
However, prior to the 1927 renovations, workers were already complaining about the working conditions around the furnaces. Temperatures would easily reach a recorded 120 degrees °F, with many areas surrounded by low visibility due to smoke, and Hellish 12-hour shifts required by its workers. The place was an absolute nightmare to work in, especially during the nightshift when foreman James "Scum" Wormwood would lead the operations.
James Wormwood had another nickname besides "Scum". He was often referred to as "Slag" and was hated by many workers due to his arrogance and lack of human compassion. Under his command, 47 people had lost their lives, or had suffered bodily damage so great that they could no longer work, let alone live normal lives. Then, in 1888 a terrible explosion left at least 6 men blinded. He also refused his workers breaks, or time off during the Holidays.
It's claimed that in 1906, at the top of highest furnace (nicknamed Big Alice) that James Wormwood had slipped into a bathe of melted iron and met his end. Though to this day many believe that, out of vengeance from his disgruntled workers, he was pushed into the bathe of molten iron, with the cover-up becoming an accident.
Workers after Slag's death would even make the claim that they could hear his final, deafening screams echoing throughout the facilities. Although, that's not where the hauntings end, it's where they begin...
The Sloss Furnace Hauntings:
There be monsters here, as one article clearly recalls:
"Nightshift chief Samuel Blumenthal, made one last sentimental round in the furnaces when suddenly he was face-to-face with a monster!On his deathbed he declared the monster was half human, half demon. The monster tried pushing him towards Big Alice’s stairs, but Blumenthal refused to be pushed. He started fighting the monster with his bare fists. When he was found, he was covered in third degree burns, even though the ovens were out. He died a couple of days after his encounter with this monster." -The Little House of Horrors; Sloss Furnaces
While many individuals who've ventured to the Sloss Furnaces also claim hearing voices commanding them to "get back to work", while apparitions of Wormwood's ghost remain apparent in most hauntings. If you don't witness Wormwood's ghost, you sure as Hell will feel his presence, as he'll attempt to push you, particularly near the Big Alice furnace where he died. There have also been numerous claims and concerns regarding disembodied voices calling out for help, most likely from the workers who were stressed and overworked at the facility. From shades to specters, the place definitely has an eerie presence to it.
Especially when you consider that Kevan Walden, a paranormal investigator, was slapped across the face by some spectral entity. Even the trio of Ghost Adventures (Zak, Aaron and Nick) had difficulties shooting at this location, with Aaron being "stung" in the eye by some unexplainable force.
Regardless of the concerts and food festivals and corporate outings, the Sloss Furnaces still hold the memories of the deceased. Whether it's the overworked former-slaves, or Scum-Slag Wormwood's resentful spirit, there is evidence of the afterlife filling this place with dread. Between the party lights and loud crowds, something sinister whispers in the darkness.
And if you visit, you could be next to be pushed into the molten iron...
That has been the haunted history behind Alabama's Sloss Furnaces. If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to give it a like, a share, and comment below!
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