Steelworks Center of the West facts for kids
The Steelworks Center of the West is a special group that works to save the history of making coal and steel in the western United States. It is based in Pueblo, Colorado. This group used to be called the Bessemer Historical Society. That name came from the community of Bessemer in Pueblo. This community was home to the Colorado Coal and Iron Bessemer Works. The "Bessemer" part came from the Bessemer process, a way to make steel invented by Henry Bessemer.
What is the Steelworks Center?
The Steelworks Center of the West is a non-profit organization. This means it is not trying to make money. Instead, its main goal is to keep alive the important stories of the coal and steel industries. These industries helped build the western parts of America. The center collects and protects old documents, tools, and buildings. These items show how the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) worked. They also show how these industries changed the region.
A Look Back: How it Started
The Colorado Coal and Iron Company was a big business. It joined with another company, the Colorado Fuel Company, in 1892. Together, they formed the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I). This new company became very important for making steel. The Steelworks Center helps us remember this history.
What They Do Today
The Steelworks Center of the West runs a few cool places in Pueblo:
- The Steelworks Museum: This is a museum where you can see old machines and learn about steelmaking.
- The Steelworks Archives: This is like a giant library of old papers and photos. It used to be called the CF&I Archives.
- The Steelworks Park: This park is still being built in Pueblo. It will be another place to learn and explore.
The center also collects items from the people who worked in the steel mill. They gather stories from families who worked in the coal and iron mines of Southern Colorado. This helps us understand the lives of the workers and their families.
See also
- List of historical societies in Colorado
