At 56' tall it is the largest cast iron statue in the world, and the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. Sculptor Giuseppe Moretti was paid $6,000 and began designing it in 1903 using a 6-foot tall model to study from. Once complete, it was shipped to St. Louis as Birmingham's entry into the 1904 World's Fair for display in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition's "Palace of Mines and Metallurgy". It was awarded a "Grand Prize". When the fair ended, the statue was dismantled and returned but was left in pieces alongside railroad tracks due to unpaid freight bills. Bellamy Saluting Vulcan He was eventually re-erected at the state fairgrounds, but without a spear, as it was lost on the way from St. Louis. Since it resembled a the salute without his spear, he soon became an advertising figure. Over the years, Vulcan held an ice cream cone, a Coca-Cola bottle, and even a Heinz pickle. Nekkid and alone atop Red Mountain In 1936, a 126' pedestal was built, anew spear made and Vulcan installed on Red Mountain. His naked buttocks has been a source of humor for many years. The song, "Moon Over Homewood," refers to Vulcan "mooning" the neighboring suburb of Homewood, Alabama. listen to Chick Churn and the Chillydippers song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZtTFe9s-6g gods are 'spensive Vulcan was given a $1 million facelift in 1971 and a $14 million renovation in 2002.