Along the Lehigh River in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stands the rusted remains of the once powerful Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Once America’s second-largest steel producer and largest shipbuilder, it occupied 1800 acres and employed much of the population of Bethlehem and nearby towns. Its closing in 1995 brought an end to a long history that shaped the livelihood and culture of thousands of Lehigh Valley residents.
Although many of the buildings are abandoned and decaying, much of the location has been revitalized into an entertainment complex. Events and concerts are hosted here, and a raised walkway allows pedestrians to get up close to the rusted out steel stacks and structures that remain. We enjoyed the history of the industry and the people, and we enjoyed photographing the shapes and textures, and the best rust ever!
Like rust and decay? Check out the Airplane and Truck Graveyard in the Jersey Pine Barrens.