Vulcan statue on exhibit for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair

“In the fall of 1903, industry in Birmingham was in full bloom. The opportunity to advertise Birmingham to the nation and the world with an exhibit at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair presented itself, eventually taking the form of a sculpture of iron, the largest in the world.”* From these circumstances, Vulcan was formed, literally, by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti, and figuratively, as emblematic of a youthful Birmingham’s industrial prowess. After winning a grand prize and attracting the attention of international press, Vulcan returned home. During the ensuing decades, Vulcan’s place in the city continued to evolve, physically and psychologically. The statue has been the subject of both pride and derision, and has experienced restoration and neglect, before coming to occupy its present status and location on Red Mountain. Vulcan and His Times traces the landmark’s history in lively detail, through the use of period news coverage and photography, from its inspiration and artistic execution, to more recent emphasis on the preservation of this unique landmark.

*Marjorie L. White

Portrait of sculptor Giuseppe Moretti with a miniature model of Vulcan, circa 1904.
Portrait of sculptor Giuseppe Moretti with a miniature model of Vulcan, circa 1904.
The completed casting of the statue's head weighed approximately 15,000 pounds.
The completed casting of the statue’s head weighed approximately 11,000 pounds.
At a total height of 56 feet, this photo with workmen illustrates Vulcan's enormous scale.
At a total height of 56 feet, this photo with workmen illustrates Vulcan’s enormous scale.
Vulcan towered over crowds at the Alabama state fairgrounds, where he was erected in 1906, and remained, with his right hand and left arm misaligned, for nearly 30 years.
Vulcan towered over crowds at the Alabama state fairgrounds, where he was erected in 1906, and remained, with his right hand and left arm misaligned, for nearly 30 years.
Vulcan at the fairgrounds, his misaligned right hand clearly visible.
Vulcan at the fairgrounds, his misaligned right hand clearly visible.
Children playing on the statue's head during his disassembly in 1937, prior to his relocation on Red Mountain.
Children playing on the statue’s head during his disassembly in 1937, prior to his relocation on Red Mountain.
Vulcan atop his pedestal in Vulcan Park, which opened in 1939.
Vulcan atop his pedestal in Vulcan Park, which opened in 1939.
The statue pictured with adjacent transmission towers, as well as the traffic safety cone installed over Vulcan's spear point in 1946, obscuring his original symbolism.
The statue pictured with adjacent transmission towers, as well as the traffic safety cone installed over Vulcan’s spear point in 1946, obscuring his original symbolism.
View from Vulcan overlooking the Birmingham skyline circa 1965, before undergoing modernization during 1969-71.
View from Vulcan overlooking the Birmingham skyline circa 1965, before undergoing modernization during 1969-71.

This book is shelved in the Alabama Room and is for library use only.

All photos in this post are reproduced with the express consent of the Birmingham Historical Society and the Birmingham, Ala. Public Library Archives.