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Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park: A Journey into Alabama's Industrial Past

Discover Alabama's industrial past at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park: Explore historic furnaces, a pioneer village, and scenic trails.

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Explore the well-preserved remnants of a 19th-century iron-making complex at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Discover historic furnaces, a meticulously restored pioneer village, and scenic trails, offering a captivating glimpse into Alabama's industrial heritage and natural beauty [12, 15].

A brief summary to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Local tips

  • Check the park's event calendar for Civil War reenactments, craft fairs, and other special events [2, 8].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic sites and hiking trails [12, 16].
  • Visit during the monthly Trade Days (March-November) for unique finds [2, 13].
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's scenic surroundings [12].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is located off Interstate 59, southwest of Bessemer. Take I-59/20 to Exit 100 and follow the signs (approximately 2 miles). Alternatively, take I-459 to Exit 1 and follow the signs (approximately 7 miles) [14]. Parking is available within the park. Standard day-use admission fees apply: $5 for adults (ages 12 and older), $4 for seniors (ages 62 and older), and $3 for children (ages 6-11) [4, 12]. Children ages 5 and under are free [4, 12]. Parking is included in the admission fee.

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Discover more about Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, spanning over 1,500 acres in McCalla, Alabama, offers a unique blend of historical exploration and outdoor recreation [3, 12, 16]. Established in the 1830s, Tannehill Ironworks played a significant role in the region's industrial development, producing iron for various purposes, including Confederate war efforts during the Civil War [6, 15]. As you enter the park, you're transported to a different era. The centerpiece is the well-preserved Tannehill Ironworks, featuring remnants of blast furnaces, casting sheds, and other industrial structures that once fueled iron production [15]. Between 1859 and 1863, enslaved people cut sandstone rocks to form three tall furnaces [7]. The ironworks supplied the Selma Arsenal and Naval Ordnance Works, producing as much as 22 tons of iron per day [6, 7]. However, in 1865, Union forces destroyed the furnaces [6, 7]. Beyond the ironworks, explore a meticulously restored pioneer village showcasing the daily lives of the 19th-century community [15]. Authentic log cabins represent different trades and aspects of pioneer life. Visit the gristmill to witness the grinding of corn into meal, a staple food of the time. The blacksmith shop offers demonstrations of traditional ironworking techniques, providing a hands-on experience of the era's craftsmanship [2, 15]. The park's natural landscape is as captivating as its historical offerings, with hiking trails winding through scenic woodlands and along the banks of Roupes Creek [12, 16]. Tannehill also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including Civil War reenactments, craft fairs, and heritage celebrations [2, 8, 15]. The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset [2, 12].

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