A little piece of the history…
The Bethlehem Steel Corporation was an American steelmaking company headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Until its closure in 2003, it was one of the world’s largest steel-producing and shipbuilding companies.
The company’s steel was used in the construction of many of the nation’s largest and most famed structures. Among major buildings, Bethlehem produced steel for 28 Liberty Street, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, and the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City and Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Among major bridges, Bethlehem’s steel was used in constructing the George Washington Bridge and Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario.
Bethlehem Steel played an instrumental role in manufacturing the U.S. warships and other military weapons used in World War I and later by Allied forces in ultimately winning World War II. Over 1,100 Bethlehem Steel-manufactured warships were built for use in defeating Nazi Germany and the Axis powers in World War II. Historians cite Bethlehem Steel’s ability to quickly manufacture warships and other military equipment as decisive factors in American victories in both world wars.[2]
Today, the site of the company’s original plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is home to SteelStacks, an arts and entertainment district. The plant’s rusted five blast furnaces were left standing and serve as a backdrop for the new campus.
I have had the pleasure of photographing the Stacks on several occasions, both by day and at night. In order to experience the awesomeness of the place, you should visit during daylight and nighttime, as well.
Below are some of my favorite nighttime images. The colors change seasonally, so visiting often can increase your portfolio of images.
In 2015, the Hoover-Mason Trestle opened to the public. In the past, the trestle connected the ore yards to the blast furnaces at the heart of the plant. It remained inaccessible for years, until it was reimagined as an elevated park and pedestrian walkway. Standing 46 feet above the ground, the walkway features benches, landscaping and a self-guided tour. Signs along the walkway help you to understand how steel was made, and the significance of the buildings still standing. Three staircases provide access, as well as an elevator located near “The Grand Staircase”, located near the Visitor Center. More detailed information can be found here https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/directory/hoover-mason-trestle/
Below are a few images taken from the Trestle
While there, take the time to wander the grounds. Several old buildings still stand, and though they are closed to the public, they can still make for some great abandoned images. Below are some of the views from around the campus.
You will also find the ArtsQuest building on the SteelStacks campus, directly in front of the blast furnaces. Founded in 1984 with the launch of Musikfest, ArtsQuest began as a community-driven effort to attract visitors and revitalize Bethlehem’s economy after Bethlehem Steel closed. Today, ArtsQuest is one of Pennsylvania’s largest non-profit arts organizations and is committed to providing access to the arts for all, while enriching the community through music, festivals, visual arts, film, comedy and educational programming. It’s beautiful to photograph at night, as the glass windows glow with lights and activity tracking place inside.
Additionally, you will find the National Museum of Industrial History, a Smithsonian affiliate, housed in the former Electric Repair Shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant site. The National Museum of Industrial History interprets industry past, present and future through dynamic exhibits and hands-on interactive and engaging programs. Here you can enjoy the stories of the people, machines and ideas that transformed our nation through a rich collection of rare artifacts including the esteemed 1876 Smithsonian Industrial collection. Below are a few images taken at the museum. These were all hand-held. Don’t remember if you couldn’t use a tripod, or if we just decided not to.
On one occasion, back in 2013, I had the opportunity to photograph a re-enactment of some of the steel processes that took place. It would be amazing if they offered this again!
If you have never visited SteelStacks, you are missing seeing a truly remarkable piece of history. To stand at the base of the stacks is an awesome sight. If you like industrial and abandoned photography, the area is full of unique images waiting for your creative eye.
If you would like the opportunity to join us for a small group photography workshop at the SteelStacks, we have one coming up Saturday October 17th. Still a few spots open to join us! Click back to the Home page for the event listing and registration info.
If you are reading this past the date of the event, contact me to be put on a list for a future visit! (contact form in Menu)