Background

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

Discover Alabama's industrial heritage at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Explore historic ironworks, museums, and scenic trails.

4.7

Explore the well-preserved remnants of the 19th-century Tannehill Ironworks, a pivotal industrial site for the Confederacy, set amidst the scenic beauty of central Alabama. Discover historic furnaces, restored pioneer cabins, and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and natural landscapes.

A brief summary to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic buildings and hiking the scenic trails [5].
  • Check the park's event calendar for Civil War reenactments, festivals, and demonstrations [5, 14].
  • Visit during Trade Days (March-November) for a unique shopping experience [2, 5, 13].
  • Consider camping at the park to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical atmosphere [5].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is easily accessible by car. From Birmingham, take I-59/I-20 South to Exit 100 (Tannehill Parkway). Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles to the park entrance [5]. Parking is available within the park, and the parking fee is included in the admission fee [5]. There are no additional tolls to reach the park.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Bessemer, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park will cost approximately $20-$30 and take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic [5]. Confirm the fare and availability before you start your trip. There are no additional fees to enter the park besides the ride fare and the park's admission fee.

Unlock the Best of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, spanning over 1,500 acres in McCalla, Alabama, offers a captivating blend of historical exploration and natural beauty [3, 14]. Established in the 1830s, Tannehill Ironworks played a crucial role in the region's industrial development, producing iron for various purposes, including Confederate war efforts during the Civil War [6, 14]. As you enter the park, you're transported to a different era. The centerpiece is the well-preserved Tannehill Ironworks, where you can witness the remnants of blast furnaces, casting sheds, and other industrial structures that once fueled iron production [14]. Between 1859 and 1863, enslaved people cut sandstone rocks and transported them to form three tall furnaces [7]. At its peak, Tannehill could produce 22 tons of iron a day, which was used for ordnance, skillets, pots, and ovens for the Southern army [7]. However, in March 1865, Union forces destroyed the ironworks [6, 7]. Beyond the ironworks, the park features a meticulously restored pioneer village, showcasing the daily lives of the 19th-century community [14]. Explore authentic log cabins, each representing a different trade or aspect of pioneer life. Visit the gristmill, where you can witness the grinding of corn into meal, a staple food of the time [2, 3]. The blacksmith shop offers demonstrations of traditional ironworking techniques, providing a hands-on experience of the craftsmanship of the era [4, 14]. The Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama displays artifacts from Alabama's 19th-century iron industry [2, 3]. The park's natural landscape is as captivating as its historical offerings [14]. Scenic trails wind through woodlands and along Roupes Creek, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing [8, 9]. The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset [2, 9]. Throughout the year, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park hosts various events and festivals, including Civil War reenactments, craft fairs, and heritage celebrations [2, 3, 9, 14].

Popular Experiences near Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Popular Hotels near Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Select Currency