Here is another Urban Legend out of Birmingham, AL focused around Sloss Furnace. This industrial business was founded in 1882 by Colonel James Withers Sloss. He opened this furnace to produce pig iron needed for improvements to America's infrastructure after the Civil War. The furnace over the course of its operation from 1882 to 1971 has turned coal and ore into hard steel which paved the way for the Industrial Revolution in America. This steel has been used to build the skyscrapers in New York and in the production of automobiles.
Picture of Sloss Furnace, a Historical Landmark
Sloss Furnace when it first opened created jobs for hundreds of employees. The work utilized blast furnaces, considered advanced work, which was very dangerous. Many workers suffered death by incineration and several fell to their deaths. Conditions reportedly worsened when a foreman, James "Slag" Wormwood was hired. He was said to be a cruel foreman in which he imposed dangerous risks to the furnace's worker so as to increase production. Many more workers died as a result. The story goes that in retaliation, Slag's workers tossed him into one of the furnaces in 1906 to burn to death.
It is said that there are creepy occurrences of the paranormal and that you may even hear the voice of Slag demanding his employees to "get back to work", if you tour the site. Tours are still offered as well as fright nights during the Halloween season. Fright Night demonstrates haunted house type of effects and illusions. One of my cousin's friends has built illusions at the haunted house for several years now. He was also featured as a contestant on America's Got Talented.
If you live near Birmingham, you should check it out, should COVID allow!
This site has been under many paranormal investigations, some providing strong paranormal activity and energies on film. There have been unexplained accidents at the furnace, some resulting in burning and death. The whistles are reportedly still heard. There are reports with the Birmingham Police Department to confirm this.
To read more about the urban legend, please visit the site at:
https://frightfurnace.com/hauntings/haunted-history-of-sloss-furnace/