We're #1 The chart above shows that America is now firmly seated in the top spot in world steel production. This is not surprising, as our iron ore deposits and coal fields are the largest in the world. But the sudden rise of Germany is also stunning, given that the German states had only come together as a nation 30 years earlier, after defeating the French.

	Smoke Everywhere Steel was already booming back in 1890 (RED box on chart), but by 1910 is positively exploding. Railroads are still consuming large quantities of steel rails, but structural steel is also in great demand, as steel-framed buildings are rising everywhere. Production of steel plate is growing just as quickly.
	Mother Lode of Iron The great Mesabi Range of iron ore is located deep in the woods of northern Minnesota. After railroads reach the region, the amount of ore removed per year is greater than for the entire country of Germany, the world's second largest producer. The main ore beds are located up to 100 feet below ground level, which requires first removing the overlying (unusable) earth. The ore can then be scooped easily into waiting train cars. It's the highest grade ore on earth.