The Steel Factory That Helped Build America, from the Empire State to War Ships

Bethlehem Steel

Another Pennsylvania steel giant that deserves attention.

Starting in 1857, this company helped build America for almost 100 years – here are 11 interesting facts about this now-defunct icon.

Building New York’s Famous Skyline

The Empire State Building stands tall, thanks to Bethlehem Steel.

In March 1930, workers began putting up the first steel pieces, and the company provided 57,000 tons of steel for this famous building. They developed high-strength steel beams used in the construction of skyscrapers.

People called it the ‘grey beam,’ and it was so good that builders across America wanted to use it. In the busy 1920s, the company made more than 2.5 million tons of steel each year just for buildings.

Helping Win World War II

During World War II, Bethlehem Steel became a powerful force for America’s victory. They built over 1000 ships for the Navy.

The company hired 300,000 workers, including many women who took on jobs usually done by men. Their main plant made about 70 million tons of steel for the war, and they ran 15 shipyards on both U.S. coasts.

They even made a huge backup anchor for the USS Constitution that weighed 10,500 pounds.

Growing Into a World Leader

Bethlehem Steel (originally called Saucona Iron Company) was founded in 1904, following the consolidation of the Bethlehem Iron Company and several other firms.

By the early 1900s, Bethlehem Steel was working in many countries. They were so good at making steel that experts from Europe and Asia came to learn from them.

The company’s ways of making steel became an example for factories around the world.

Making Famous Bridges

The Golden Gate Bridge shows how special Bethlehem Steel’s work was.

When builders planned the bridge in the mid-1930s, they needed steel that could handle San Francisco’s salty air and strong winds.

Bethlehem Steel’s scientists coated it with a red primer to protect it from rusting in the salty air. This special steel could also stay strong during earthquakes and heavy storms.

Fighting for Workers’ Rights

Bethlehem Steel wasn’t just about making metal, it was also where workers fought for better treatment.

The company often had tough relationships with unions. In fact, the National Steel strike of 1919 highlighted labor conditions.

In 1941, workers at the Sparrows Point plant in Maryland went on a big strike that lasted several weeks. This strike made the whole country pay attention to how factory workers were treated.

Creating New Technology

While most people knew Bethlehem Steel for making metal, they also did a lot of science work.

Their research teams worked on special metals for spacecraft and military equipment. At their lab in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, scientists worked on secret projects that helped create new kinds of materials.

And it went far beyond just making regular steel. They developed high-speed tool steel, which was an innovation in metal cutting.

Building Communities

Bethlehem Steel was more than just a company in its era.

The company contributed to the vibrancy of neighborhoods like South Bethlehem. Places like Pennsylvania, Sparrows Point, and Maryland grew up around their steel mills.

They also transformed local communities by providing stable employment, so workers and their families could live good lives.

Dealing with Environmental Changes

The company’s big factories changed the land around them. Their work created pollution and used up many natural resources, leaving behind industrial waste.

Today, people are working hard to clean up these old factory sites.

The Bethlehem Steel Plant is now home to the SteelStacks campus, featuring museums, performance venues, and educational facilities that showcase America’s industrial history and steel manufacturing legacy.

The End of an Era

As time went on, Bethlehem Steel faced tough challenges.

Steel makers in Japan and South Korea could make steel for less money, making it hard for the company to compete. Foreign companies slowly took over the market, and eventually they couldn’t keep up with the changes.

Bethlehem Steel officially closed its operations in 2003. After bankruptcy, parts of its assets were sold off, and the company ceased to exist as a functioning business.