Cleveland's steel industry thrived thanks to its prime location. Here's a glimpse into its history:
Perfect Location: Situated on Lake Erie with access to railroads, Cleveland became a natural hub for iron ore and coal to meet, key ingredients for steel production [Encyclopedia of Cleveland History]. By the mid-1800s, some argued Cleveland had an advantage over even Pittsburgh for steel manufacturing due to transportation costs [Encyclopedia of Cleveland History].
Pioneering Steelmakers: Cleveland wasn't shy about embracing new technologies. In 1868, the Cleveland Rolling Mill became the first west of the Alleghenies to successfully employ Bessemer converters, a new method for steel production [Teaching Cleveland Digital]. The Otis Iron & Steel Company, founded in 1873, built the first open-hearth furnace in the country specifically designed for steel production [Teaching Cleveland Digital].
Steel Takes Over: The 1870s and 1880s saw a shift from iron to steel as the primary metal produced in Ohio, with Cleveland playing a major role. By 1892, Ohio ranked second in steel production nationally, behind Pennsylvania [Teaching Cleveland Digital].
Consolidation & Beyond: The early 1900s saw companies like Otis Steel and Cleveland Rolling Mill become part of larger corporations like U.S. Steel [Encyclopedia of Cleveland History]. Cleveland's steel industry continued to be a major force for decades, though it faced challenges in the later 20th century.
#1SP, #2SP, C5 and C6 blast furnaces, water treatment, #1 Powerhouse, hot rolling mill, BOFs (Basic Oxygen Furnaces), 80" Continuous Caster, and more.
The Cleveland works is one of the largest ( second after Indiana harbor/east Chicago ?) mills in N America and one of the most efficient.
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