Between 1859 and 1863, slaves cut sandstone rocks, transported them by skids and stacked them to form three tall furnaces. Tannehill No. 1 was built by the noted Southern iron master Moses Stroup, who later built the Oxmoor Furnace, the first in Jefferson County. William L. Sanders purchased the operation in 1862 and set about expanding the ironworks. Like the wheels and gears of a huge machine, the industrial center at Tannehill kept up a fierce momentum. Trees on the hillsides were felled to be made into charcoal that fed the huge blast furnaces. Roupes Creek and a mighty steam engine powered the blowing machines to heat the fires that melted ore to be formed into "pigs" of iron which, in turn, formed the tools of war for the Confederacy.

At the height of production Tannehill turned out as many as 20 tons of iron a day. The iron was cast into ordnance, skillets, pots and ovens for the Southern army. Like the wheels and gears of a huge machine, the industrial center at Tannehill kept up a fierce momentum. Trees on the hillsides were felled to be made into charcoal that fed the huge blast furnaces. Roupes Creek and a mighty steam engine powered the blowing machines to heat the fires that melted ore to
be formed into "pigs" of iron which, in turn, formed the tools of war for the Confederacy. At the height of production Tannehill turned out as many as 20 tons of iron a day. The iron was cast into ordnance, skillets, pots and ovens for the Southern army.

On March 31, 1865, it all ended in fire and destruction. Three companies of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry swept through the area as a part of Union General James Wilson's raid on Alabama war industry sites. Smoke rose from the charred remains of the cabins that housed 600 slave laborers. At day's end the furnaces were no longer operational, and the foundry, tannery, sawmill and gristmill were in ruins.

Recreation - At Tannehill Ironworks State Park, there are more than 1,500 acres preserved for hiking, camping and picnicking. A miniature railroad chugs through the pines.

Campground accommodations, both primitive and improved, are plentiful. Horseback riding excursions are available at Tannehill Trails. There is never a shortage of excellent food, with the Sweet Shoppe, Furnace Masters Restaurant and the Country Store that offers picnic goodies.

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 dulcimer festival, gem and mineral show, woodcarvers show, educational programs for school children, a Labor Day celebration and Christmas candlelight tour.

Climate - The climate of Alabama's lowlands can be described as subtropical with nearly 60 inches of rain each year. The highest amount of rain reaches the region as afternoon thunderstorms in July, August and September. Summers are extremely hot and humid with temperatures frequently reaching above 100 degrees F. Summer nights cool slightly and provide a good time to travel through the region.

Winter temperatures are mild, rarely dipping below 40 degrees with the humidity level at its lowest in November and December. Spring and fall are very pleasant times to visit the region. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming trees and flowers. During the fall temperatures range from 65 to 85 degrees F with low humidity levels. Northern Alabama is generally cooler than the south due to its higher elevations.

Location - Tannehill is located off Interstate 59, 12 miles southwest of Bessemer, less than 30 minutes from downtown Birmingham. Take I-59/20 to Exit 100 and follow the signs (approximately 2 miles) or you can take I-459 to Exit 1 and follow signs (approximately 7 miles).

LAT: 33.2651016325
LONG: -87.0460510254