Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

December 7, 2018

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Tannehill is a state park and campground that's nicely kept and conveniently located off of Interstate 65 near Birmingham, Alabama. We're here in December and, typical of winter weather in the south, it's been chilly and rainy during our stay. 

The park offers hiking trails, a fine place for bicycling, showers and laundry facilities along with partial and full-hookup sites. 

I've mixed emotions regarding the historical aspect of this park. I've found too much obfuscation in Alabama over time regarding the Civil War. This is the site of an Iron Works, one of many located around the south. It was used during the Civil War and closed down by the Union army towards the end of the war. The drive in to the campground is on Confederate Way. 

There are no discussions of the evils of slavery and how the war was fought over retaining slave labor. While there's mention of a place where slaves were kept along a trail near the Iron Works, there are no signs along the trail to designate where they were kept or any explanations. This is typical of the way lying by omission happens in Alabama revisionist's history regarding the Civil War. In my opinion, if history about the Civil War is what interests you, a trip to Montgomery, Alabama and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the associated museum are a must.