Steelworks Center of the West facts for kids
The Steelworks Center of the West is a special group that works to save and share the history of how coal and steel were made in the western parts of the United States. It is located in Pueblo, Colorado. This organization used to be called the Bessemer Historical Society. That name came from a community in Pueblo called Bessemer. This community was home to a big steel-making factory. The factory itself was named after the Bessemer process, which was a way to make steel invented by Henry Bessemer.
The Steelworks Center of the West helps people learn about the important role the steel industry played in shaping the region. They do this by keeping old records, items, and buildings from the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I). They also share stories about how the West became more industrial.
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What is the Steelworks Center of the West?
The Steelworks Center of the West is a non-profit organization. This means it's a group that doesn't try to make money for itself. Instead, it uses any money it gets to support its main goal: teaching people about the history of steel and coal.
How Did It Start?
The group began as the Bessemer Historical Society. This name honored the Bessemer area of Pueblo. This area was very important because it had the Bessemer Works. This was a large factory where the Colorado Coal and Iron Company made steel. The factory used a special method called the Bessemer process. This process was a big step forward in making steel.
The Story of CF&I
The Colorado Coal and Iron Company later joined with another company, the Colorado Fuel Company. This happened in 1892. Together, they formed the powerful Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, often called CF&I. This company became a huge part of the steel and coal industry in the West.
What Does the Center Do?
The Steelworks Center of the West runs several important places in Pueblo. These places help them share the history of steel and coal.
The Steelworks Museum
One of the main places is the Steelworks Museum. Here, you can see many interesting things from the past. The museum collects and shows old papers, tools, and other items. These items tell the story of the steel and mining industries. They also show what life was like for the people who worked in these industries.
The Steelworks Archives
The Center also has the Steelworks Archives. This used to be called the CF&I Archives. It's like a giant library of historical documents. Here, they keep old records, photographs, and other important papers. These documents help researchers and visitors understand the history of the steel mill and the coal and iron mines.
Steelworks Park
Another project is the Steelworks Park. This park is still being built in Pueblo. Once finished, it will offer more ways for people to learn about and connect with the industrial history of the area. It will be a place where visitors can explore and understand the impact of steel and coal on the region.
Why Is This History Important?
The Steelworks Center of the West collects and saves items from the past. This includes things from the steel and mining industries. They also keep stories and items from the families who worked at the steel mill or in the coal and iron mines in Southern Colorado. By doing this, they help future generations understand how these industries shaped the communities and the lives of many people in the Western United States.
