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

Explore Alabama's industrial heritage at Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park: a unique blend of Civil War history and natural beauty.

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Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park is a 45-acre park that preserves the remnants of a 19th-century ironworks, a crucial supplier for the Confederacy during the Civil War [2, 8]. Explore the historic furnace ruins, scenic trails, and experience the blend of history and nature in central Alabama [2, 9].

A brief summary to Brierfield Iron Works Park

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the park's event calendar for Civil War reenactments, festivals, and other special activities [6, 8, 9].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the furnace ruins and hiking the scenic trails [8].
  • Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park's tranquil picnic areas [8].
  • Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and optimal conditions for outdoor activities [8].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park is located off Alabama Highway 25. From Interstate 65, take exit 228 (Calera/Saginaw) and head south on AL-25 for approximately 15 miles [8]. The park entrance will be on your left. From Centreville, take Alabama Highway 25 towards Montevallo; the park is approximately 14 miles from Centreville [8]. Parking is available within the park grounds.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, you can take a Greyhound bus to Calera, AL, which is about 15 miles away [8]. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the park. A taxi or rideshare from Calera to the park would cost approximately $25-$40.

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Discover more about Brierfield Iron Works Park

Step back in time at Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, where the echoes of Alabama's industrial past resonate through the serene landscape [2, 9]. Established in 1861, the ironworks played a pivotal role in the Confederate war effort, producing high-quality iron for cannons and warships [2, 4, 8]. Originally founded as the Bibb County Iron Company by Caswell Campbell Huckabee and Jonathan Newton Smith, the site was strategically chosen for its access to natural resources and transportation routes [2, 8]. Recognizing its importance, the Confederate government seized the ironworks in 1863, renaming it the Bibb Naval Furnaces and ramping up production with a second furnace and rolling mill [3, 4, 8]. The park spans 45 acres and invites visitors to explore the ruins of the Brierfield Furnace [2, 8, 9]. In March 1865, Union troops raided Brierfield, destroying the furnaces and disrupting Confederate supply lines [1, 3, 8]. Despite the devastation, the site was rebuilt, and Brierfield briefly prospered, earning the nickname "Magic City of Bibb County" [3, 8]. However, the rise of more efficient iron production in Birmingham led to its closure in 1894 [3, 8]. Today, visitors can explore the furnace ruins, coke ovens, and museum with artifacts that illuminate the site's history [2, 8]. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy scenic trails through woodlands along the Little Cahaba River [2, 8, 9]. The park also offers camping, a swimming pool, a playground, and picnic areas [1, 8, 15]. Throughout the year, Brierfield hosts events, including Civil War reenactments and Market Days [6, 8, 9].

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