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Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park: A Glimpse into Civil War Iron Production

Explore a preserved Civil War-era iron furnace in Cedar Bluff, AL, offering a glimpse into 19th-century industry and local history by Weiss Lake.

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Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, preserves the remains of a 19th-century iron furnace that supplied the Confederate States of America during the Civil War [4, 6]. Visitors can explore the historic site, including the impressive 50-foot tall furnace stack, and learn about the area's industrial past [7].

A brief summary to Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park and exploring the furnace site.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy by the shore of Weiss Lake, as the park offers picnic tables and pavilions [7].
  • Visit during daylight hours, as the park closes in the evening [8].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park is located at 1200 County Road 251, Cedar Bluff, AL 35959. From Cedar Bluff, travel east on Alabama Highway 9 for 2 miles [19]. Turn left onto County Road 92, go 1.5 miles to the T intersection [19]. Turn right at the T intersection, travel 1/2 mile to the Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park [19]. Parking is available at the park. There are no known tolls on this route.

  • Taxi

    If arriving from a nearby town like Centre, a taxi is a viable option. Taxi services are available, with estimated fares from surrounding cities ranging from $45-$60 [3, 22]. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip. From Gadsden to Centre by taxi also costs approximately $45-$60 [22].

Unlock the Best of Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park

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Discover more about Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park

Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park offers a fascinating look into Alabama's industrial contribution to the Confederate war effort [4, 6]. Erected in 1862 by the Noble Brothers foundry of Rome, Georgia, the cold-blast furnace produced pig iron for manufacturing armaments [4, 6, 7]. The site was chosen for its proximity to the Chattooga River, which powered the furnace's air blast, and local deposits of brown hematite ore [5, 6]. Slave labor was used to dig a half-mile canal to channel water from the river to power the furnace [5]. The furnace operated until 1864 when it was partially destroyed by Union troops under General William Tecumseh Sherman [5, 6]. It was rebuilt in 1867 but ceased operations permanently in 1875 [5, 6]. For nearly a century, the site was reclaimed by nature before the Cherokee County Historical Society spearheaded its preservation [5]. Today, visitors can walk around the well-preserved, 50-foot tall furnace stack and imagine the intense labor and activity that once filled the area [7]. The park also features picnic tables, pavilions, and a memorial to veterans from all wars, making it a place for both reflection and recreation [7]. Cornwall Furnace Memorial Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail [6, 7].

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