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High Red Bluff: Montgomery's Historic Overlook

Explore Montgomery's High Red Bluff: A historic landmark offering scenic river views and a glimpse into the past, connecting you to the city's vibrant 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 stunning views of the Alabama River. Once a strategic point for trade and defense, it played a vital role in the region's economic and social development.

A brief summary to High Red Bluff

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

Local tips

  • Take a stroll 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.

  • 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.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit (The M) operates several bus routes throughout the city. Check the M's website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules to reach the Riverfront Park area. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to reach High Red Bluff. A single ride fare is $2.00.

  • 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 fees are $5 per day at the Riverfront Tunnel Parking lot. 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, standing 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 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. Montgomery was established beside the Alibamu town Ikanatchati, also meaning red ground. The arrival of the first steamboat, the Harriet, in 1821, marked a turning point, heralding a new era of river commerce and 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 can witness remnants of this rich past. The Riverfront Tunnel stands as a tangible reminder of the cotton era. The area around High Red Bluff has experienced revitalization, with the establishment of Riverfront Park and the Red Bluff Bar at the Silos. These developments have transformed the area into a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists, offering opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and socializing.

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