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Oldest House in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary

Explore Birmingham's oldest home, a preserved 19th-century commissary offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and the region's industrial heritage.

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Discover Birmingham's oldest home in Shades Valley, a preserved 19th-century commissary offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and the region's industrial heritage [3, 4]. Constructed between 1820 and 1830, it served as a vital supply hub for the Cahaba Iron Works, playing a crucial role during the Civil War [3, 5].

A brief summary to Oldest house in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary

  • 4180 Glenbrook Dr, Birmingham, Alabama, 35213, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the golden hour for stunning photographs of the house against the backdrop of the setting sun [3].
  • Research the history of the Irondale Furnace to gain a deeper appreciation of the site's historical context and its role in the Civil War [3].
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful surrounding area [3].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Birmingham, head east on I-20 E/I-59 N. Take exit 130B for US-231 N toward Montgomery [3, 4]. Continue on US-231 N for approximately 6 miles. Take the exit toward Irondale [3]. Continue until you reach Glenbrook Dr and turn right. The Oldest House is at 4180 Glenbrook Dr [3, 4]. Limited street parking is available [3].

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Oldest House by public transportation, use the MAX bus service [3]. From the Central Station in downtown Birmingham, transfer to Route 1 (Birmingham - Irondale) [3]. Get off at the Glenbrook Dr stop [3]. Walk a short distance down Glenbrook Dr to 4180 Glenbrook Dr [3]. The bus fare is $1.50 per ride [3].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are readily available in Birmingham [3, 4]. A ride from downtown Birmingham to 4180 Glenbrook Dr typically costs between $10 and $25, depending on traffic and demand [3, 4].

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Discover more about Oldest house in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary

The Oldest House in Shades Valley, also known as the Irondale Furnace Commissary, is a significant historical landmark on Glenbrook Drive in Birmingham, Alabama [3]. This unassuming structure offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the region's early settlers and its burgeoning industrial past [3, 4]. Constructed between 1820 and 1830, the original building was a simple, one-and-a-half-story log cabin [3, 5, 8]. In 1863, Wallace S. McElwain, owner of the nearby Cahaba Iron Works (also known as the Irondale Furnace), purchased it and transformed it into a commissary, or company store, to serve the furnace workers and their families [3, 4, 5]. Before this, settlers had to travel over Red Mountain to Elyton for supplies [3, 5]. The commissary became a vital lifeline for the community, providing much-needed provisions and goods [3, 4]. The Cahaba Iron Works played a crucial role for the Confederacy during the Civil War, producing iron for cannons and other war materials [3, 4]. In March 1865, Union General Wilson's Raiders targeted the Irondale Furnace, but the commissary was spared [3, 5]. After the Civil War, the furnace was rebuilt, and the commissary continued to serve the community [3, 4]. The house remained in the Eastis family for over eighty years [3, 5]. In 1951, Edward Beaumont purchased the house, ensuring its preservation [3, 8]. Today, the Oldest House in Shades Valley stands as a symbol of the early settlers and industrial workers who shaped the region [3, 4]. Nearby attractions include the Irondale Furnace Ruins, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Vulcan Park and Museum [3, 4].

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