Robert H. McKenzie dissertation, correspondence, and notes

Collection

Identifier: W-0072

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a 450-page copy of "A History of the Shelby Iron Company, 1865-1881," a dissertation written by Robert H. McKenzie and submitted to The University of Alabama in 1971. The collection also contains a small collection of correspondence and research notes related to the dissertation.

Dates

1971

Creator

McKenzie, Robert H. (Author, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

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.

Extent

0.3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Copy of Robert H. McKenzie's dissertation, "A History of the Shelby Iron Company, 1865-1881," and a small collection of correspondence and research notes related to the dissertation.

Physical Location

The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, The University of Alabama

Provenance

Gift of A. S. Williams III, 2010

Related Materials

Shelby Iron Company records, W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, University Libraries Division of Special Collections, The University of Alabama

Shelby Iron Company correspondence during the Civil War, The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, University Libraries Division of Special Collections, The University of Alabama.