The iconic company has been on the National Mall for the Great American Fair, and is celebrating 125 years in 2026.
Tucked behind the state tents, rodeo arena and Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel, U. S. Steel is celebrating its own birthday this year – right alongside the anniversary of the United States’ independence. At the Great American State Fair, the iconic steel company is inviting visitors to learn more about how average Americans interact with steel every day, and why it’s so important to our economy.
While the state showcases at the fair are great ways to learn about each’s unique landmarks and iconic historical moments, many lack references to one of the most pressing issues in today’s economy: American manufacturing. Of course, it’s interesting to learn about all the different cuisines out there, but how do we relate this to what’s affecting American jobs right now?
Well, the answer is simple – and U. S. Steel is doing it right next door.
In their highly interactive and educational display at the fair, representatives from U. S. Steel invite you to explore what makes steel manufacturing so important for all Americans, even if you don’t yet realize it.
Upon entering the tent, a giant screen greets you, displaying all the ways we use American steel daily. Examples include farm equipment, home appliances and fun activities like tailgating at a football game. If you eat canned goods, their freshness is thanks to the American-made steel that food is stored in. Do you drive a truck? Multiple key features of your favorite pickup are fabricated by workers at U. S. Steel.
The exhibit also features a domed tent where you can stop to watch a video explaining the company’s impact on U.S. infrastructure and economic growth. As you take in the sights of manufacturing history surrounding you, there’s another interactive screen that takes you inside many common household products – all of which wouldn’t be possible without U. S. Steel. Even things like the upholstery on your sofa can be traced back to machines and manufacturing techniques that use American-made steel!
As you walk around the domed tent, another screen chronicles the history of the company and how it came to be such a key part of American manufacturing, highlighting the origins, mergers and historical events that shaped the company. The importance of U. S. Steel relative to American success in World Wars I & II is not overlooked, and this portion of the exhibit refers to the company as “the engine of global industrial production” during the second World War.
In the final part of the tent, more interactive activities give visitors the opportunity to learn more and connect with U. S. Steel. Featuring stories from some of their thousands of employees, a video display allows you to select a topic and listen to a U. S. Steel worker talk about how their lives have been impacted by their work, and vice versa. A powerful way to show the human connections behind the company, these videos showcase the countless individuals behind each steel product made right here in America.
Feeling particularly educated as you leave the tent? There’s a quick opportunity to test your steel manufacturing knowledge with a short, five-question quiz. You can also crank out a commemorative U. S. Steel nickel to take home on one of those classic manual penny presses.
While the Great American State Fair closes this week (its last day is Friday, July 10), there’s still a few days left to go down to the National Mall and wish U. S. Steel a happy 125th birthday.