Birmingham Attractions
Morgan Creek Vineyards(11/2/2007) Located in Harpersville off U.S. 280 just a few miles south-east of Birmingham. This is a family-owned vineyard with a state-of-the-art winery. You'll find southern wines--blueberry, apple, and muscadine. Free, open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM and by appointment. Tours daily, free wine tastings in the gift shop. For more information, see MorganCreekWinery.com
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Bessemer Hall of History
(10/24/2007) The museum is housed in the renovated Southern Railway Terminal building and has artifacts, documents, photos, 19th century furnishings, farm equipment, etc. I also includes a Civil War collection from the 28th Alabama Regiment, antique telephones, and a library.
The museum is at 1905 Alabama Avenue in Bessemer. It is open Tuesday-Saturday. Call 205-426-1633 for more information.
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Birmingham Children's Theatre
(10/13/2007) This is one of America's largest theaters just for youth. Located at 2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL. For more information phone 205-458-8181 or see www.BCT123.org
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Alabama Wildlife Center
(10/13/2007) The Alabama Wildlife Center is the oldest, largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Alabama, treating thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals annually. Self-guided tours include Treetop Nature Trail. The Center is located within Oak Mountain State Park (see below) at 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL. For more information, phone 205-663-7930 or see www.awrc.org
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Moss Rock Preserve
(10/13/2007) This is a 250-acre nature park located in the heart of the city of Hoover on Preserve Parkway. Phone 205-739-7141 or see www.HooverAl.org for more information.
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Orr Park
(7/20/2007) Forty acres of pavilions, three baseball fields, 3 walking trails, 2 playgrounds, and a community center combine to make Orr Park a local attraction. The park is 1/2 mile off Main Street in Montevallo, Alabama. Come on down.
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Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington
(7/20/2007) With one of the largest privately owned collections of memorabilia surrounding George and Martha Washington outside of Mount Vernon itself, this museum is something to see. Hours Monday-Friday are 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM or by appointment. The museum is at 50 Lester Street, Columbiana (next to the Harrison Regional Library). For more information call 205-669-8767.
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Shelby County Museum and Archives
(7/20/2007) The restored courthouse was built around 1854. Today it holds exhibits and treasures for genealogists and history buffs. The Shelby County Historical Society has additional information here on other points of interest in the county, including the Shelby Springs Confederate Cemetery. Hours are 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You'll find the courthouse just off the square on Main Street in old Columbiana, Alabama. For more information, you can call 205-669-3912.
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Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Other Courses
(1/4/2007) Birmingham offers the golfer the chance to play on some of the country's premier public courses. There's Oxmoor Valley, a part of the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail; Bent Brook, voted best public course in Alabama and Florida Panhandle by Links Magazine, and there are a number of other courses in the area. For more information on available golf courses, phone 205-458-8000.
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Rickwood Field
(1/4/2007) Located just west of the downtown Birmingham area is Rickwood Field, the world's oldest standing ballpark. Rickwood became home to the Birmingham Barons in 1910 and the park has seen Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, "Piper" Davis, and a number of other baseball greats play. A restoration project is underway aimed at creating a museum with memorabilia and nostalgia at Rickwood. The address is 1137 2nd Avenue W. You can reach the Friends of Rickwood for more information at 205-458-8161.
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Vulcan Park
(9/13/2006)
Located on the moutain overlooking Birimngham, Vulcan is the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Its history is long and tied intimately with the city it overlooks. Today, in addition to the beautiful view that awaits at the top of a quick elevator ride, the 10-acre park offers a world-class experience with free WIFI access on the grounds and a wonderful meeting facility. For more information Click here.
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Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame
(9/13/2006) Located in the historic Carver theatre at the corner of 4th Avenue North and 17th Street in downtown Birmingham, the Carver was one of several theatres in the Fourth Avenue area offering first-run movies to African-Americans. In 1990 the city began renovation of the theatre as a venue for the performing arts and for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Today the theatre operates as a non-profit, multi-use theatre and houses the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame where exhibits convey the accomplishments of the likes of Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton and Erskine Hawkins and the music that made them famous. For more information Click here.
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Alabama Theatre
(9/13/2006)
The Alabama was built in 1927 by Paramount Studios as a gala showcase for their films and served primarily as a movie house for 55 years, showing such special events as the Miss Alabama Contest, and a weekly Mickey Mouse Club series. In 1987 the previous owners declared bankruptcy and Birmingham Landmarks, Incorporated, a non-profit organization purchased the theatre.
Now, the Alabama hosts films and many live events throughout the year--over 300 events. The theatre was completely restored in 1998 with the goal of restoring its 1927 gala luster. The restored theatre is well worth seeing, plus you can take in a movie or other event at the same time. For more information, visit www.AlabamaTheatre.com
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Arlington House Antebellum Home
(9/13/2006)
Located at 331 Cotton Avenue near the heart of downtown Birmigham, this magnificent antebellum home was first owned by William S. Mudd, a founder of the city. Arlington, built in the Greek revival style during the late 1840's, is a beautiful example of the classic antebellum home. It is the only antebellum home in the area and it predates the city's 1871 founding date. Numerous fine antiques and artworks are to be seen in the museum.
You can dine at the historic Garden Room and take a tour of the museum afterward. Reservations are required. Annually, there is a Christmas festival and an event called the "County Fair." For additional information, phone 205-780-5656.
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Alabama Museum of Health Sciences
(9/13/2006) Located on the 3rd floor of the Lister Hill Library in The University of Alabama at Birmingham (1700 University Boulevard), the museum traces the evolution of health care through seven centuries of progress and innovation. Exhibits include such items as an ivory anatomical model used by medical students in the 16th century, a surgical set from the 1850s, and an early Emerson Respirator, a.k.a “iron lung,” used at UAB Hospital in the 1950s.
The museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 5:00, except on UAB holidays. For more information, call 205-934-4475 or Click here
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Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame
(9/13/2006) Where Heroes Live Forever:
Immortalizing the glory of Alabama's most famous champions, displaying over 4,000 pieces of memorabilia, and celebrating the athletic achievement of 233 champions, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is a special place for special people.
The Hall is open Monday through Saturday 9AM-5PM. It is located at 2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, AL 35203. For more information, you can call 205-323-6665 or click here
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Alabama Veterans Memorial
(9/13/2006)
Located just north of I459 on the Liberty Park exit, this special park is a reminder to us all that the price of freedom and peace is sometimes high, indeed. Stories of Alabama's 23 Medal-of-Honor winners appear on columns with artwork and letters. In the auditorium, you will find presentations on the contributions of Alabama veterans.
The Memorial and Park are open Saturday and Sunday, but closed Christmas Day, New Years Day and Thanksgiving. For more information, call (205) 985-9488 or click here
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Aldridge Botanical Gardens
(9/13/2006) Aldridge Gardens, the former estate of Eddie and Kay Aldridge who owned Aldridge Garden Shop & Nurseries, is a beautiful 30-acre site showcasing hydrangeas and picturesque gardens. Now open to the public, the property is located on the corner of Lorna Road and Rocky Ridge Ranch Road in Hoover, Alabama. For more information, call 205-682-8019 or click here
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American Village
(9/13/2006) Located on U.S. Highway 119 in Montevallo, Alabama, American Village is a product of the Citizenship Trust organization. "The Citizenship Trust was first chartered in 1995 as a public educational institution with a nationally pioneering mission. Whether you are involved in education, or whether you are an individual looking for a place to visit and learn, The American Village is a place you want to visit." For more information click here
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Anniston Museum of Natural History
(9/13/2006) Exhibits, gardens, and nature trails let you explore the wilds of Africa, the North American wilderness, and the mysteries of 2,000-year-old mummies. Children can explore the hands-on exhibits for a real experience of Alabama wonders.
The museum is located approximately 7 miles north of I20's Oxford exit. Admission is $4.50/adult and $3.50/child aged 4-17 (under 4 admitted free). Other discounts may apply. For operating hours and more information, phone 256-237-6766 or click here
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Barber Motor Sports Museum and Track
(9/13/2006)
 | | (Photo ©2006 by Wallace C. Allison) |
| This superb 2.38-mile-long road-racing track is among the finest facilities in the the nation and hosts races of everything from historic sports cars to motor-cycles and yes, even go-carts. The museum is a wonderland of motorcycles and speed equipment. |
The facility is located just south of I-20-East at the 140 (Leeds) Exit. Turn right on the first paved road and the park will be on your right after about 1/2 mile. For more information call 205-327-RACE or click here
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Berman Museum of World History
(9/13/2006) Exhibiting over 3,000 objects related to world history in 5 different galleries, the museum is located at the junction of Highway 431 and 21. (Leave I20 at exit 185click here
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Birmingham Botanical Gardens
(9/13/2006) Located on 67.5 acres, free admission sunrise to sunset all year, and located just out of downtown Birmingham, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens provides a comfortable, relaxing place to get away from it all. Or, if you're so minded, to learn--there is a huge free-lending horticultural library, classes, lectures, workshops, and volunteers to help.
The gardens are located at 2612 Lane Park Road. For more information call 205-414-3900 or click here
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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
(9/13/2006) Located at 520 16th St. North in downtown Birmingham, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a center for education and discussion about civil and human rights issues. Its goal is to promote civil and human rights through education.For more information click here
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Birmingham Race Course
(9/13/2006) Located at exit 31 on I-459, the Birmingham Race Course has para-mutual betting on greyhound racing and simulcast horse racing.For more information click here
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Birmingham Zoo
(9/13/2006)
 | The Birmingham Zoo welcomes you to Alabama's most popular non-profit attraction. There are over 750 animals of 250 species, including endangered animals from 6 continents. The Zoo is located at 2630 Cahaba Road just south of U.S. 280/31. For more information phone (205)879-0409 or click here |
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Center For Cultural Arts
(9/13/2006) Located in Gadsden at the corners of Fifth and Broad, the Mary G. Hardin Center for the Cultural Arts, under the direction of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, attracts over 100,000 visitors per year to the exhibits, performances, and other events held there. The Imagination Place Children's Museum reaches thousands of children and the Gadsden Community School for the Performing Arts offers instruction in ballet, lyrical jazz dance, strings, woodwind, brass, voice, and more.
For more information click here
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Desoto Caverns Park
(9/13/2006) Located in Childersburg, Alabama, (just a few miles SE of Birmingham on U.S. 280) and offering both entertainment and learning on the grounds of one of Alabama's largest caverns.
For more information click here
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Gadsden Museum of Art
(9/13/2006) Located in the Elliot Community Center, 2829 W. Meighan Boulevard (Hwy 431), in Gadsden, this FREE art museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 P.M. Also open Sundays 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. The museum is handicapped accessible.
The museum features a permanent collection of paintings, sculpture, prints, and local historical decorative arts, plus monthly changing exhibits featuring works of local and regional artists. Group tours available.
Annual exhibits include Gadsden Art Association Exhibition; Art Students Exhibit; New Age Art Alliance Exhibition; Quilts, A Southern Tradition; Photography Competition; and Holiday Dollhouse and Miniature Exhibition.
For more information click here or call 256-546-7365.
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Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center
(9/13/2006) Locted at 711 N Broadway Ave in Sylacauga, Alabama, the FREE museum offers permanent exhibits of local and Native American artifacts as well as special visiting exhibitions. Includes Sylacauga History Room, Pioneer Room, Civil War exhibit, WWII memorabilia. Jim Nabors, Bill Nichols, Gen. J.W. Crysel memorabilia. Art exhibits change monthly. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
For more information click here or call 256-455-4016
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Kentucky Art Museum
(9/13/2006) Located at 503 Main Street in Northport, Alabama, this museum is part of an extensive, growing network that includes the Kentuck Art Center, Kentuck Museum, and the Kentuck Festival of Arts, which has grown into one of the largest and most important regional arts and craft shows in the Southeast. The Kentuck Arts Center, located in downtown Northport, is home to some of the country's most exceptional artists and craftsmen. The Kentuck Museum, also in downtown Northport, provides regular traveling and invitational arts and crafts exhibits. A focal point for the Alabama Crafts Council, Kentuck maintains a superb year round collection of Alabama arts and crafts.
For more information call (205) 758-1257.
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McWane Science Center
(9/13/2006) McWane Science Center is the South’s premier science center, aquarium and IMAX Dome Theater. The museum features four floors of exciting interactive science exhibits and displays and is located in Birmingham, Alabama’s city center. Open 7 days a week (except except for major holidays).
For more information, click here or call (205) 714-8300
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Mercedes Benz Visitor Center
(9/13/2006) Head west from Birmingham on I-59/20 toward Tuscaloosa and you can't miss seeing the Mercedes plant on your left. Get off and enjoy a visitor center that shows the history of Daimler-Benz, the first of its kind outside of Germany. Museum and plant tours are shut down right now, but will resume in early 2007 as work associated with a new product line completes.
For more information, click here or call (888) 286-8762
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Oak Mountain State Park
(9/13/2006)
As Alabama's largest park, Oak Mountain provides 9,940 acres of pine-studded ridges and lush green hardwood bottoms. The park offers vacation cottages, golf, pro shop with snack bar, improved camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain bike trails, backpacking, a demonstration farm and horseback riding facilities. With the largest area and variety of outdoor recreational pursuits, Oak Mountain is sure to provide excitement for every member of the family!
Day-use fees of $1 to $3 apply. If you want specific information on reservations for campsites or cabins, please call 1-800-ALA-PARK and choose Oak Mountain, or call (205) 620-2524 for Cabin Reservations or (205) 620-2527 for Camping Reservations. If you have any other questions, please call (205) 620-2520.
For more information, click here
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Paul W. Bryant Museum
(9/13/2006)
The Paul W. Bryant Museum, celebrating the life of this great football coach, is open daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the campus of the University of Alabama. The museum is at 300 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa.
Bryant was national coach of the year three times, SEC coach of the year eight times, coached six national championship teams and on November 28, 1981, he became the winningest coach in the history of college football. Bryant retired from coaching with an astonishing 323 victories.
For more information, click here or 1-866-772-BEAR (2327) or (205) 348-4668
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Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
(9/13/2006) Get onto Oporto-Madrid Blvd. Go to Rugby Ave.; turn east. Go to 81st Street, turn right. (Follow the signs.) You will find a natural oasis in the heart of Alabama's largest city. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and a leader in nature education for students and the community. This 1,011-acre nature preserve in the heart of the city, is dedicated to preservation, education, and recreation for everyone.
For more information, click here
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Sloss Furnace
(9/13/2006) From 1882 to 1971 these furnaces poured out massive amounts of molton iron, forming a backbone for the city's economy to grow around. Today, as a National Historic Landmark, they form a large, wonderful museum, park, and home to numerous special events in the city. The furnaces are located at First Avenue North and 32nd Street and except for special concerts and events, they are free to the public
For more information, click here
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Southern Museum of Flight
(9/13/2006)
 | Come to this special place and see the machines that let the world take to the skies. Military, civilian, and home-built aircraft are on display at the museum and the Birmingham Aero Club sponsors a number of special events through the year. |
For more information, click here
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Alabama Adventure Water Park (Formerly VisionLand)
(9/13/2006)
Located off I20/59 just north of the junction with I-459 in Bessemer, Alabama, feature-rides include the "Rampage," one of the nation's fastest and largest wooden roller coasters, "Zoomerang," a steel "boomerang" coaster, and "Space Shot," a 185-foot launching tower. The park is divided into two parks: a water park and a "dry ride" park that includes the Rampage. For those who want only to shop, the outlets of Watermark Place are only a couple of minutes away.
For more information, click here or call 205-481-4750
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Birmingham Museum of Art
(9/13/2006) Located at 2000 8th Avenue North, this is certainly one of the finest art museums in the southeastern U.S. The art holdings of the museum and the visiting exhibits make it an ever-changing wonderland to visit.
For more information, click here or call 205-254-2566
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Heart Of Dixie Railroad Museum
(9/13/2006) The official railroad museum of the state of Alabama, located just south of Birmingham in Calera, Alabama. The museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses.The museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historically significant railway equipment.
The museum, at 1919 9th Street, Calera, ALabama 35040, is open Monday - Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Trains run every Saturday from March 31-December 17, 2006, so take a trip on a historic railroad and enjoy a rare piece of Americana.
For more information, click here or call 800-943-4490
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Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

(9/13/2006) Take I-59/20 to Exit 100 and follow the signs (appoximately 2 miles) to get to Tannehill. Here you'll find remains of a historic iron work dating from the 1830's. You'll also find some 1,500 acres in 3 counties set aside for your pleasure in hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. A miniature railroad chugs through the pines. From spring through fall, the blacksmith, miller and craftsmen demonstrate their trades. Craft shops occupy restored pioneer cabins and artisans chat with visitors from their front porches. The cotton gin, pioneer farm and working gristmill preserve a long-gone way of life. Artifacts of Alabama’s 19th century iron industry displayed in the Iron and Steel Museum put in perspective the massive stone furnaces, Tannehill’s awe-inspiring centerpiece.
The park is home to a number of special events. The third weekend of each month, from March through November, shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Other events include a Civil-War Battle Re-enactment, Dulcimer festival, Gem and Mineral show, Woodcarvers show, Educational programs for school children, a Labor Day celebration, Halloween festival and Christmas candlelight tour.
For more information, click here or call 800-943-4490
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Talledega Superspeedway
(9/13/2006)
Talladega Superspeedway's 2.66 mile tri-oval course is the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facility in the world. Records for both speed and competition have been established at Talladega. Talladega Superspeedway can accommodate more than 143,000-seated guests and thousands more in the 212-acre infield. The track offers van tours to visitors daily during working hours except on weeks around events. Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum, which is also open daily.
For more information, click here
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NASA & U.S. Space and Rocket Center
(9/13/2006) NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, approximately 100 miles north in Huntsville, Alabama, develops key transportation and propulsion technologies including advanced earth-to-orbit and space propulsion systems. The center is home to the world-renowned NASA and U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The Center is known world-wide for its SPACE CAMP® and AVIATION CHALLENGE® programs and offers year-round educational opportunities both students and teachers. It is easy to spend a day among the exhibits, both inside and out, from the U.S. space program.
For more information, click here
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Historic Cahaba Pumping Station
(9/13/2006) Established in 1887, the Cahaba Pumping Station is a great little museum as well as a great meeting place for a civic or business group outing. See the process and history of the Birmingham Water Works--early tools, equipment and photos follow the history of the water works since its earliest days. Use of the facility is free, and in lieu of payment many choose to make a donation to the H2O Foundation which helps low-income and elderly customers pay their water bills and plumbing repair needs.
For more information, click here or call 205-244-4361.
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Aldrich Coal Mine Museum
(9/13/2006) As early as 1839 coal was being produced in the Montevallo, Alabama area. The coal seam was named after the town of Montevallo and was the first to have a trade name. It was introduced to the public in 1856. In 1859 the first steam engine used to hoist coal from a slope or pit mine was used at the mine. Prior to 1860, Montevallo Coal was the only coal shipped to market by railroad. During the Civil War, the mine furnished coal to the Confedaracy and to the school that is now Montevallo University. The long, rich history of the mine continues into today's museum. You'll still find "company houses," the miners' bath house, and more to give you a picture of what life was like for the men who mined the coal.
The museum is housed in the "company store" of the former Montevallo Coal Mining Company in Aldrich, Alabama (just west of Montevallo on Highway 10), on county road 10. (Signs are posted to guide you.) Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
For more information, call 205-665-2886.
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Confederate Memorial Park
(9/13/2006) Located south of Alabaster about 10 miles off I-65, this was the site of the Confederate Soldiers Home. Today this facility, administered by the Alabama Historical Commission is the home of a modest museum, cemeteries of Confederate Veterans, a small church, and beautiful grounds. Take a sunny afternoon ride, pack a picnic lunch, and see the park. Pause to remember the Confederate soldiers who are buried there.
For more information, call 334-230-2677.
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