Robert H. McKenzie dissertation, correspondence, and notes

Robert Hamlet McKenzie was born in Sheffield, Alabama, in 1940. He graduated from Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama) in 1962, earning a BS in history and secondary education. He received his MA and PhD from The University of Alabama in 1966 and 1971. After completing his PhD, McKenzie worked at The University of Alabama as the administrative assistant to the president. In 1975, he became the executive assistant to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. He also served as president of the Alabama Historical Association from 1974-1975. In 1981, McKenzie returned to The University of Alabama to teach at the university's New College.

Founded in the 1840s by Horace Ware, the Shelby Iron Works employed the state's first rolling mill, constructed in 1859, and was one of the first iron companies to use hot blast stoves. During the Civil War, the company produced iron plating for the Confederate Navy, constructing the iron plate used to armor the CSS Tennessee and the CSS Mobile. The company expanded its operations, constructing a second blast furnace in 1863 and experimenting with the use of coal instead of charcoal to fuel the furnaces. The iron works ceased operation in 1923.

Sources: Alabama Ironworks Source Book, Encyclopedia of Alabama, Alabama Historical Association President Biographies.