The tall statue depicts the Roman god Vulcan, god of the fire and forge. It was created as Birmingham's entry for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 World's Fair) in St. Louis, Missouri.

A 50-ton cast-iron statue of the Roman god Vulcan, the symbol of this steelmaking city, has been closed to the public indefinitely because it is falling apart. The Birmingham Park and Recreation ...

Vulcan captures the spirit of American Gods — based on a Roman myth, designed by an Italian, and symbolizing an industry and region that different Americans view in different lights.