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High Red Bluff: Montgomery's Historic Riverfront Overlook

Explore Montgomery's High Red Bluff: A historic landmark with river views, once a strategic point and bustling center of commerce and culture.

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High Red Bluff, also known as Hostile Bluff or Thirteen Mile Bluff, is a historic site in Montgomery, Alabama, offering scenic views of the Alabama River and a glimpse into the city's past as a key transportation and commerce hub. Once a strategic stronghold, it played a vital role in the region's economic and social evolution.

A brief summary to High Red Bluff

  • 1906 Riverfront Tunnel, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US

Local tips

  • Take a walk along the Riverwalk for scenic views of the Alabama River and access to nearby attractions.
  • Visit the Red Bluff Bar at the Silos for live music and a taste of Montgomery's social scene.
  • Check out nearby historical markers to learn about the bluff's significance in Montgomery's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Montgomery Intermodal Center or downtown hotels, High Red Bluff is accessible by walking south towards the riverfront. Follow Commerce Street, passing the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center. Continue through the Montgomery Riverwalk Pedestrian Tunnel, which leads directly to the Riverfront Park area near the bluff. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering views of downtown Montgomery.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) offers bus routes that serve the downtown area. Check the M's route schedules for the closest stop to Riverfront Park. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to reach High Red Bluff. A single ride fare is $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Montgomery to High Red Bluff is a quick and convenient option. The ride typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $8-$12 for the trip. Request to be dropped off near the Riverfront Park or the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Stadium for easy access to the bluff.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 1906 Riverfront Tunnel, Montgomery, AL 36104. Limited free parking is available near the Riverfront Park. Alternatively, paid parking is available at the parking garage near the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Stadium at 233 Coosa Street. Parking rates typically range from $5-$10 depending on the duration.

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Discover more about High Red Bluff

High Red Bluff, steeped in history, offers stunning views of the Alabama River and stands as a testament to Montgomery's pivotal role in the Southeast's development. Also known as Hostile Bluff or Thirteen Mile Bluff, this location was once a strategic stronghold in colonial times, witnessing centuries of transformation and playing a crucial part in the region's economic and social evolution. Originally referred to as Chunnaanaauga Chatty by the Alibamu Indians, meaning "high red ground," the bluff's elevated position made it a natural vantage point and a key defensive site. The establishment of Montgomery on the side of the Indian town Ikanatchati, meaning red ground, further solidified the area's importance. The year 1821 marked a turning point when the first steamboat, the Harriet, navigated its way to High Red Bluff. This event heralded a new era of river commerce, transforming Montgomery into a vital port city. The subsequent arrival of the first railroad in 1880 further cemented its status as a transportation hub, connecting the region to broader markets and facilitating the movement of people and goods. During the era when "cotton was king," High Red Bluff became the epicenter of the cotton trade. Millions of bales were shipped from the wharf via steamboat to Mobile, and then onward to the textile mills of England. The construction of the tunnel under the railroad tracks in 1879 allowed horse-drawn wagons to access the wharf without crossing the railway lines. Today, visitors to High Red Bluff can still witness remnants of this rich past. The Riverfront Tunnel stands as a reminder of the cotton era. The area around High Red Bluff has been revitalized, with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The Red Bluff Bar, located at the base of the historic grain silos, is a popular gathering place offering live music, food, and drinks.

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