8 Abandoned Factories That Offer a Glimpse into Our Industrial Past
Abandoned factories are fascinating places to explore and photograph. They stand as a reminder of our industrial past and offer a glimpse into the lives of workers who toiled in these buildings. Here is a list of eight abandoned factories that are worth exploring.
1) Packard Automotive Plant, Detroit, Michigan
The Packard Automotive Plant was one of the largest automobile factories in the world when it opened in 1903. The factory produced luxury cars until it closed its doors in 1958 due to financial difficulties. Today, the plant stands as a shell of its former self with graffiti-covered walls and broken windows attracting urban explorers from around the world.
2) Fisher Body Plant 21, Detroit, Michigan
Fisher Body Plant 21 was built in 1919 and produced car bodies for General Motors until it closed its doors in 1984. The factory has been used as a filming location for movies such as Transformers: Age of Extinction and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
3) Bethlehem Steel Mill, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
The Bethlehem Steel Mill was once one of the largest steel producers in America. It operated from 1857 until it closed its doors in 1995 due to decreased demand for steel products. Today, much of the mill has been demolished but some buildings remain including blast furnaces and an ore yard.
4) Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Birmingham Alabama
Sloss Furnaces is a national historic landmark that operated from 1882 until it closed down operations on November 9th ,1970.The Vulcan statue located near Sloss furnaces served not only as symbol but also provided direction by pointing toward potential sources for raw materials needed at Site Number Two or other areas within distance
5) Eastern State Penitentiary Powerhouse Building Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary Powerhouse Building Philadelphia Pennsylvania – This building played an important role providing heat throughout prison in the winter. It was built in 1903 and operated until the prison closed its doors in 1971. Today, it’s a shell of its former self with graffiti-covered walls and broken windows.
6) Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, Richmond, California
The Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant opened in 1931 and produced cars until it shut down during World War II when the factory was converted to produce tanks for the war effort. The plant reopened after the war but eventually closed its doors for good in 1956. Today, much of the factory has been demolished but some buildings remain including an administration building that houses a museum.
7) Kelenföld Power Station Budapest Hungary
Kelenföld Power Station is one of Hungary’s largest power plants that operated from 1912 until it closed down operations on October 15th ,2005.The station is known for its striking art deco architecture which makes this abandoned factory stand out amongst all others.
8) Carbide & Carbon Building – Chicago Illinois
The Carbide & Carbon Building located at 230 N Michigan Ave., Chicago IL was built in 1929 by Daniel Burnham’s architectural firm, Graham, Anderson, Probst & White as headquarters for Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation- now known simply as Union Carbide . The building was designed to resemble a Champagne bottle with green terra cotta spandrels ornamenting dark polished granite façade making it an iconic landmark of Chicago sky line.
Exploring these abandoned factories can be dangerous due to unstable structures and hazardous materials so extreme caution should be taken if you decide to explore them yourself. Always remember safety first!