Retired Drifters: Tannehill Ironworks State Historical Park

Coker, Alabama

Weather: low 72 degrees, high 92 degrees, partly cloudy

We did something different today!!!

The day was not all work and trying to sell the house. We actually got away with Terri and Thomas to do the kinds of things that Carolyn and I have come to love to do so much. The day started fairly late, just like we prefer to do. We didn't leave home until 1100 hours. On the way out of town, we stopped and filled up the cooler with ice. It already had soft drinks and water in it. Next, we stopped at Subway and got some sandwiches. Then it was on the road to Tannehill Ironworks State Historical Park, about 40 miles away.

The park is off Interstate 20/59, just south of Bessemer. It is located a few miles from the interstate, with a pretty drive through rolling hills and pasture land. The first thing we observed in the park on the access road was a sign that stated that the point we were at was the southernmost point of the Appalachian Mountains. We stopped at the access gate where we paid an access fee to enter the park. Being seniors saved us a couple of dollars on the fee. Then we moved on to the park headquarters, where we reviewed the history of the park. It was developed through the efforts of area residents, Boy Scouts, and other interested parties. In this way, the park cost almost nothing for the original development. As a sidenote, my uncle and aunt helped in the development of the park. I can remember them fussing about how folks like themselves had developed the park, but the state took it over and took credit for it.

Our next move was to find a shaded picnic table and eat lunch. It's amazing to me how good a simple sandwich and chips can taste when you're doing what you like. Ummm, Boy!!

After lunch, we began a tour of all the historical buildings that have been moved into the park or restored from the original buildings onsite. We have seen these types of buildings before, but it's always good to see how folks in the 1800s lived. No air conditioning, no central heat, no running water, TV, radio, electricity......... These types of places help us appreciate all the good things we take for granted.

After going through the housing exhibits, we moved on to the Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama. I hesitated to go in there, because how interesting can iron be? Carolyn said let's do it, at least it's cool inside. I'm glad we decided to tour the museum, because it was very interesting. It gave a history of the history of iron and steel making, as well as the use of coal, coke, and charcoal. In addition, a detailed history of the production of iron and steel in Alabama was presented, particularly for the Tannehill Works. This iron works was one of the most important iron and steel making facilities for the South during the Civil War, producing hundreds of tons on a daily basis until it was destroyed by Union forces in April 1865. And, by the way, it was cool. Nice.

The last major site we explored was a restored blast furnace that stood at least 60 feet tall. Very impressive. At one side of that area was a memorial to the iron makers of the Confederacy. That's the first time I've seen something dedicated to people who made materials for war.

Below are some pictures we took.

Restored blast furnace.

A pile of coke, used to produce iron and steel.

Thomas and a corn crib.

A 2000 pound chunk of iron ore.

A memorial to the iron and steel makers of the Confederacy.

A typical restored older house in the park. There are about 15 of these houses in the park. Some of them are being used as rental units.