City of Bessemer

Histroy :
               
               The American Civil War introduced to the country a new demand for iron ore, coal and limestone. Entrepreneurs followed this demand flow and introduced a new industrial economy to the South. In the late 19th century a five county area named the "Birmingham District" became the most important industrial center in the South. These counties were located at the end of the Appalachian Mountain chain in a fortunate geologically rich area. The District thrived from the exploitation of mineral resources during the industrial revolution and saw new rail lines, water links, and a population of more than 985,000.

The city of Birmingham was formed at the center of the District in 1871. The opportunities that were offered in this dispersed metropolitan area attracted native Southerners and ethnic immigrants alike. Birmingham's spectacular rise as the South's foremost industrial workplace was fueled by the arrival of the railroads and breakthroughs in technology. The District soon became the nation's leading foundry and iron making center. To feed the furnaces, entrepreneurs opened the second largest network of underground iron ore mines, the largest group of open pit brown ore mines and the fifth largest coal mining center. Two of the largest mines were located in Muscoda and Raimund (both near Bessemer), which extend from three to five miles into the Red Mountain iron veins. The construction of locks and dams along the warrior river opened up a transportation route that allowed for international shipping of coal and iron through the port facilities in Mobile.