Bessemer (BES-se-muhr), city (1990 pop. 33,497), Jefferson co., N central Ala., just SW of Birmingham. Founded as a mining town, it was named after Sir Henry Bessemer, inventor of the Bessemer Process. The surrounding area is rich in minerals. Once predominant, iron and steel mfg. here has declined. Mfg. now includes fabricated metal prods., construction equip., RR equip., and foundry prods. Seat of Bessemer State Technical Col. Inc. 1887.
