What) The Bethlehem Steel Works opened in the 1850s and stopped metal production operations in 1995. The Sands Casino, which is operating a slots parlor in a reclaimed portion of the Steel Works, is only part of the big plans for this hulking symbol of diminished American industrial muscle.

    During the day, the closed work complex is a rusting, partially gutted post-nuke vision; at night, it's even better. The casino has paid to illuminate the intricate pipes and tanks with red spotlights from below, simulating the long extinguished furnaces. It is visible from many places along the river in Bethlehem. (1)

    Where) Steel Works - East 1st Street     Casino - 901 Daly Avenue

    Why) I am not sure why but I do know that I ended up looking forward to this one more than I expected when I first wrote it down.

We found the place without much trouble and I was happy because we were driving through in the late afternoon so I expected ...

... to spend the night at the casino which would have given me plenty of time to enjoy and photograph the nearby Steel Works.

Unfortunately for me, being surrounded by all of these abandoned, decaying, buildings gave Pam ...

... a creepy feeling that she could not shake off and didn't want to feel for a whole night.  That meant I had to take all these pictures ... 

... from the parking lot of the Casino before we left Bethlehem to find a room elsewhere.

If we had stayed the night then this is one of the sights that I would have enjoyed seeing. (2)