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Tannehill Grist Mill: A Step Back in Time

Experience Alabama's agricultural past at this working gristmill in Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, where history comes to life.

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Located in Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, the Tannehill Grist Mill is a meticulously reconstructed, fully functional gristmill on Mill Creek. Witness the traditional process of grinding corn into meal, connecting visitors to Alabama's agricultural past.

A brief summary to Tannehill Grist Mill

  • 8001 Tannehill Rd, McCalla, Alabama, 35111, US

Local tips

  • Visit during one of Tannehill's Trade Days (held monthly from March to November) for a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into traditional crafts.
  • Purchase freshly ground cornmeal at the country store for an authentic taste of the past.
  • Explore the adjacent Pioneer Farm to learn about the daily life and agricultural practices of 19th-century Alabama settlers.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is accessible by car. From Birmingham, take I-59/I-20 South to Exit 100 (Tannehill Parkway). Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles to the park entrance. Parking is available within the park, and the parking fee is included in the admission fee. There are no additional tolls to reach the park.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Bessemer, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park will cost approximately $20-$30 and take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare and availability before you start your trip. There are no additional fees to enter the park besides the ride fare and the park's admission fee.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options to the park are limited, the closest public transit stop is in Bessemer. From there, you would need to take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the park (approximately $20-$30).

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Discover more about Tannehill Grist Mill

The Tannehill Grist Mill, nestled within Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near McCalla, Alabama, offers a captivating glimpse into the state's agricultural heritage. This isn't just a static display; it's a fully operational gristmill, carefully rebuilt on the banks of Mill Creek, allowing visitors to witness the age-old process of grinding corn into meal. This living history exhibit highlights the vital role gristmills played in early rural communities, serving as central hubs for farmers to process their harvests and sustain their families. The original gristmill, established by John Wesley Hall in 1867, was a cornerstone of the local economy. It provided essential services to farmers in the surrounding area. The current mill is a faithful reconstruction, replicating the original's design and functionality. As you approach, the gentle sound of the turning water wheel and the rhythmic grinding of the stones transport you to a simpler time. Inside, skilled millers demonstrate the process, explaining how corn is fed into the millstones and ground into coarse cornmeal, a staple food for early settlers. Visitors can purchase freshly ground cornmeal, a tangible souvenir connecting modern consumers to the flavors and traditions of the past. The adjacent pioneer farm showcases the agricultural practices and lifestyle of early Alabama settlers, offering a comprehensive picture of rural life in the 19th century. The Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, where the gristmill is located, spans 1,500 acres and preserves Alabama's iron-making history. The park's centerpiece is the collection of preserved and reconstructed iron furnaces, remnants of a once-thriving industrial complex that supplied iron to the Confederacy during the Civil War. Exploring the furnaces offers a stark contrast to the peaceful setting of the gristmill, showcasing the diverse facets of Alabama's past. The John Wesley Hall Grist Mill and Cotton Gin operated at this site from 1867 to 1931. It was the successor to one of Alabama's earliest grist mills located a mile west on Mill Creek. The original mill was torched by federal troops during the Civil War. Hall's Mill was rebuilt in 1976 and today grinds out the corn meal sold in the country store.

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