Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park McCalla, Alabama

The Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, spread over three Alabama counties, is recognized on the National Register of Historical Places in the United States.  Residing on the 1,500 acre property are the Alabama Iron and Steel Museum, Furnace Master’s Restaurant, Tannehill Sweet Shoppe, Pioneer Farm, Hiking Trails, Craft Cabins, Tannehill Furnaces (among the nation’s best preserved Civil War landmarks), James Scott Young Country Store, The John Wesley Hall Grist Mill, Plantation Cotton Gin House, Tannehill Miniature Railway, Roupes Creek, and Rental Cabins.

The history of Tannehill precedes the Civil War. In 1830, a furnaceman from Pennsylvania, Daniel Hillman, was the first person to explore the natural resources of the area and constructed a bloomery forge on Roupes Creek. Between 1859 and 1863, slaves cut sandstone blocks to build three tall furnaces. The southern ironmaster, Moses Stroup, constructed Tannehill No. 1, and he would later go on to build the first ironworks foundry in Jefferson County. From 1862 through 1865, using steam power, the furnace produced as much as 22 tons of iron a day and supplied the Confederacy with 70% of its iron supply. The Tannehill furnaces were destroyed on March 31, 1865 by three companies of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, part of Union General James Wilson’s sweep through Alabama. Although the furnaces were no longer functioning after the destruction, the remains became the best preserved 19th century iron furnace sites in the South.

Today, the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park attracts teachers, students, archaeologists, historians, and people who enjoy the beauty of the natural setting and year-round outdoor activities.  The Tannehill Learning Center offers unique outdoor classes coordinated by personnel from the University of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Conservation, and the museum at Tannehill. For example, in the spring, the Side Trails to History Program offers students a glimpse into the social and economic history of upland Alabamians from the Civil War period through the Great Depression. Another program for students, the Creek Kids, originates from a partnership between Tannehill and the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Environmental in character, this excursion features an overview of a watershed and the impact of a mill dam on fish passage, up-close investigation of native fish and invertebrates, discussion of water pollution on wildlife, and education about Alabama’s early iron industry. Special archaeology programs are also available by request.

Please e-mail tannehillsp@bellsouth.net for more information about Tannehill Historical State Park. The address is 12632 Confederate Parkway • McCalla, AL 35111 • (205) 477-5711, and a map to the property can be found on the website. To book field trips, call Stacey Green at (205) 477-5711 or email her at the address above. Visiting Tannehill Park is a delightful experience for a person of any age, but it is especially important for our youth. There, they can explore the rich history and natural beauty of their home, Alabama.

Liang-Yin Lin,
University of Alabama

Resources from:
The National Register of Historic Places
Tannehill Ironworks Historic State Park