Alabama
Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel
www.touralabama.org E-mail: info@touralabama
800-ALABAMA, 334-242-4169, TDD: 334-242-4717, Fax: 334-242-4554, 401 Adams Ave., Montgomery, AL
Anniston
Anniston/Calhoun CO.
www.calhoundchamber.com E-mail: info@calhoundchamber.com
800-489-1087, 257-237-3536. Fax: 256-237-4338, 1330 Quintard Ave.
City of Anniston
http://www.ci.anniston.al.us E-mail: tchapman@ci.anniston.al.us
256-236-8221, Fax: 256-231-7624. 1128 Gurnee Ave.
Anniston/Calhoun CO Library - Alabama Room and Anniston Room.
256-237-8501. 105 E. 10th Street. Call for hours. Free
Fine collection of genealogical research records, Civil War records, etc. Anniston Room is a collection of local memorabilia. Alabenton Genealogical Society headquarters in library.
? Buckner Circle Officer's Housing. NRHP
256-231-7754. Fort McClellan. Free
A collection of historic officer's quarters fronting a beautiful open space.
Bessemer
Bessemer Area COC
www.bessemerchamber.com E-mail: bessemerchamber@netscape.net
205-425-3253, Fax: 205-425-4979. 321 N. 18th St.
Bessemer Hall of History Museum NRHP CWDT
205-426-1633. 1905 Alabama Ave. Open Tu-Sat 9-12 & 1-4. Free
Housed in a renovated Southern Railway Terminal. Contains Artifacts, documents, photographs, 1800's furnishings and farm implements, Civil War collection relating to 1862 28th Alabama Regiment, antique telephone display, and a library.
Birmingham
Greater Birmingham CVB
www.birminghamal.org E-mail: info@birminghamal.org
800-458-8085, 205-458-8000. 2200 9th Ave. N.
? Alabama Men's Hall of Fame Museum
205-870-2362. 800 Lakeshore Dr. Call for hours. Free
Bronze plaques honoring men who have made a significant impact statewide, nationally or internationally.
Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens NRHP
205-780-5656. 331 Cotton Ave. Open Tu-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4. $, senior, group, child, & AAA rates.
Decorative arts museum, built c. 1850. Fine collection of 19th century furniture, textiles, silver, paintings. This is the site where Union troops planned the burring of the University of Alabama.
Reynolds Historical Library/AL Museum of Health Sciences
205-934-4475, Fax: 205-975-8476. 1700 University Blvd. 35294-0013.
Located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Reynolds Historical Library is a nationally respected collection of rare and important books, manuscripts and artifacts in the medical sciences. The Reynolds Historical Library is fortunate to have an extensive collection of items relating to Civil War medicine, especially those related to practices of the nineteenth century. Local history is represented by an article on the cholera epidemic that almost decimated the fledging city of Birmingham in 1873.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport Railroad Depot Museum CWDT
256-495-2040
A good place to visit is the Old Depot in Jackson CO. The building and grounds are in the process of being restored after being idle for over thirty years. It will house the Bridgeport Area Historical Association (BAHA) offices, museum of local artifacts and railroad memorabilia and a historical research library for Bridgeport and area historical buffs as well as genealogy buffs. There are records that go back to 1807, Bridgeport News issues back to 1891, Post Office records, tax records, business charge account ledgers, War Between the States records and much more.
Brierfield
Brierfield Ironworks CWDT
205-665-1856. Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, 240 Furnace
Parkway, 35035
Built in 1862 by the Bibb County Iron Company, the furnace
was used to make iron for the Confederacy until in 1865, the Federal Tenth
Missouri Cavalry burned it down.
Cedar Bluff
Cornwall Furnace CWDT
256-927-8455
It was one of three Cherokee County Furnaces supplying iron to the confederacy. Built in 1863 by the Noble Brothers of Rome, Georgia, this cold blast furnace furnished iron for the first cannon made in Rome, Georgia. It was ordered destroyed by Sherman twice, but the furnace survived the war only to be destroyed in an industrial explosion around 1870. The Cornwall Furnace was declared a National Historical site in 1972, and is perhaps the best preserved stack in the southeast.
Centre
Cherokee CO. COC
www.cherokee-chamber.org E-mail: cccoc@people.talsnet.com
256-927-8455, Fax: 256-927-2768. 590 E. Main St.
Cherokee CO Historical Museum CWDT
256-927-7835. 101 E. Main St. Open M-Sat 8:30-4. $
Cherokee CO's heritage is depicted with local newspapers, shotguns, wagons, housewares, telephones, 50-year-old doll collection and memorabilia of Grande Ole Opry comedian Rod Brasfield. Civil War, WWI & II and railroad artifacts.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board
Dauphin Island COC
www.dauphinisland.cc E-mail: info@dauphinisland.cc
877-532-8744, 251-861-5524. 401 LaVente St.
Town of Dauphin Island
877-532-8744, Fax: 251-861-2154. 1011 Bienville Blvd.
Historic Fort Gaines CWT NRHP CWDT
251-861-6992. 51 Bienville Blvd. Mailing add: 109 Bienville Blvd 36528. Open 9-5. $, group and child rates. W
Pre-Civil War fort, site of Battle of Mobile Bay: "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" Touch cannons actually used in battle. Tunnels, blacksmith shop, kitchen, bakery, bastions, etc. Living History Weekends.
Decatur
Decatur/Morgan CO. CVB
www.decaturcvb.org E-mail: info@decaturcvb.org
800-524-6181, 256-350-2028, Fax: 256-350-2054. 719 6th Ave.
Civil War Walking Tour CWT
800-524-6181, 256-350-2028. Free
Self-guided walking tour of Decatur's Civil War sites. Brochures are available at Decatur Visitor Center, Old State Bank and Bank Street merchants.
The Old State Bank NRHP CWDT
256-350-5060. 925 Bank St NE. Open M-F 9:30-12 7 1-4:30. Call ahead for weekend and holiday hours. Free, W
Pre-Greek Revival structure is the oldest bank in the state. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War, one of the 4 buildings left standing when the war ended.
Double Springs
Looney's Entertainment CWDT
800-566-6397, 205-489-5000. 22400 Hwy 278. Open Th-Sat. $, senior, group, child & school rates.
Musical drama telling the story of the north Alabama hill people caught between opposing forces during the Civil War. Indoor Theatre, restaurant, miniature golf, gift shop and riverboat.
Eufaula
Eufaula/Barbour CO COC
www.ebchamber.org E-mail: ebcc@zebra.net
800-524-7529, 334-687-6664, Fax: 334-687-5240. 102 N Orange Ave.
Historic Shorter Cemetery CWDT
334-687-3793. Riverside Dr. Pick up key and directions from Shorter Mansion. Free.
Civil War era cemetery. It is the burial site of Alabama Civil War Gov. John Gill Shorter, his family and family slaves.
Fairhope
Eastern Shore COC
www.echamber.com E-mail: office@eschamber.com
251-928-6387, 251-621-8222, Fax: 251-578-5660. 100 Depot Sq.
Landmark Tours
251-928-0207. 2287 US Hwy 98. Open on charter basis. $ senior and group rates.
Day tripping in and around Fairhope, Point Clear, Gulf Shores, Mobile, Mansions, Civil War trails, trunk shows, birding. Guided tour experiences arranged for groups large and small.
Florence
Florence/Lauderdale Tourism
www.flo-tour.org E-mail: dwilson@floweb.com
888-FLO-TOUR, 256-740-4141, Fax: 256-740-4141. 1 Hightower Pl
Pope's Tavern Museum NRHP CWDT
256-760-6439. 203 Hermitage Dr. Open Tu-Sat 10-4. $
One-time stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn used as a hospital by Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. The upstairs museum houses an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. The Lower Floor is furnished with Vintage Antiques.
Gilbertown
Choctaw CO Historical Museum CWDT
251-843-2501, 205-459-3383. 40 Melvin Rd. Open W & Sat 8-12 or call 251-542-9863 for appointment. Free
Large number of fossils, rifles used in Civil War, spinning wheel, Indian Artifacts, military uniforms, farming implements. One-room cabin constructed of logs dating back to the mid 1840s.
Gulf Shores
Alabama Gulf Area COC
www.alagulfcoastchamber.com E-mail: agcacc@gulftel.com
251-968-6904, Fax: 251-968-5332. 3150 Gulf Shores Pkwy.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site NRHP CWDT
251-540-7127, 251-540-7202. 51 Hwy 180 W. Fort Open Nov 1-Feb 28 8-5; March 1-Apr 30 8-6; May1-Oct 31 8-7. Museum year-round 9-5. $ group rates. W
Construction began on the fort in 1819, and was completed in 1834. The large brick fort saw service in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, WWI & II. See the on site museum for details on the fort's history.
Hillsboro
Belle Mont Mansion CWDT
256-637-8513. 3.5 miles south of Tuscumbia, off U. S. Hwy. 43, on Co. Rd. 52.Open Th-S 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sun1 - 5 p.m. year round, or by appt. $
Pond Spring NRHP CWDT
5595 Hwy, 12280 AL Hwy 20. Open Th-Sat 9-4, Sun 1-5. $, group rates.
Alabama Historical Commission property on 50 acres, with 13 historical buildings. Main museum: Wheeler family's original furnishings. General Joseph Wheeler, former Major Gen. of Cavalry of the great Confederate western army, the Army of Tennessee (and briefly held the rank of Lieutenant General near war's end), also a long-time US Congressman following the Civil War, and (yet again) US Army Major General during the Spanish-American War. A well-earned title, "Fightin' Joe" Wheeler became a national symbol for reunification and reconciliation following the Civil War and throughout the latter half of the 19th century. As the US Congressman, he largely contributed toward the progressive economic direction the northern section of Alabama would pursue during the 20th Century. Home closed for restoration, site open for tours.
Huntsville
Huntsville CVB
www.huntsville.org E-mail: info@huntsville.org
800-SPACE-4-U, 256-533-5723, Fax: 256-551-2324. 700 Monroe St.
COC of Huntsville/Madison CO.
www.hsvchamber.org E-mail: bnash@hsvchamber.org
256-535-2000, 256-535-2028, Fax: 256-535-2015. 225 Church St.
Historic Huntsville Depot NRHP CWDT
800-678-1819, 256-564-8100. 320 Church St. Open 9-5. $, senior, group, child & AAA rates.
Climb on locomotives, examine Civil War graffiti, and listen as robotic ticket agents tell about working for the railroad. Exciting hands-on programs avalible. Home of Rocket City BBQ Cook-off and Whistle Stop Festsival.
Jacksonville
The Gallant Pelham Statue
800-489-1087, 256-237-3536. Church and James Sts. Open 24 hours. Free
Located in the Jacksonville City Cemetery. John Pelham, Civil War hero, was dubbed "The Gallant Pelham" by Robert E. Lee.
Killen
Pettus Museum
256-757-9229. 3450 Hwy 72. Open W-Sat 11-5, Sun 2-5. $
Retired teacher Ronald Pettus has transformed his passion for history into an exciting colorful and educational museum. 5000 sq ft of exhibits include Native American, Boy Scouts, toys, military (1860s-1990s), Coca-Cola, flags, political, etc.
Lanett
Greater Valley Area COC
E-mail: gvacoc@knology.net
334-642-1411, Fax: 334-642-1410, 2102 S. Broad Ave.
Fort Tyler
334-642-1441. 18th St. Open Daylight hours. Free
Located on Alabama Georgia Boarder, this site was the site of one of the last Civil War battles (Apr 16, 1865) to take place east of the Mississippi.
Marbury
Confederate Memorial Park CWT
www.preserveal.org/sites/sites-park.html
205-755-1990. 437 CO Rd 63. Gates open dawn to dusk; museum 9-5. Free
Site of Alabama's only home for Confederate Veterans. 2 cemeteries contain 313 graves. The museum houses Civil War uniforms, weapons and equipment, plus many relics from Soldiers' Home. Walking and driving tours, nature trail and picnic areas.
Marion
Perry CO COC
E-mail: pcchamber@pinebelt.net
334-683-9622, Fax: 334-683-4561. Washington St.
Marion Female Seminary CWDT
www.pinebelt.net/~pcchamber/tourism/historicsites.html
334-683-9622. Monroe St. Free
Organized in 1836. While teaching here, Nicola Marschall designed the stars and bars flag and the Confederate uniform.
Marion Military Institute Chapel CWDT
334-683-2321
St. Wilfred's Episcopal Church CWDT
334-683-9622. 104 Clement St.
Visit the Confederate cemetery on the grounds of this church.
McCalla
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park CWDT
205-477-5711. Fax: 205-47-9400. 2632 Confederate Pkwy 35111.
Daniel Hillman, a Pennsylvania furnaceman, first built a forge on the banks of Roupes Creek in 1830, where he had found the richest deposits of brown ore in his experience. He wrote his son: "I believe, George, that my prospects for making a handsome property are better than they ever were..." Hillman died two years later, the family's fortune unmade. Ninian Tannehill later took up the forge as a sideline to his farming operation.
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.
Mobile
Mobile CVB
www.mobile.org E-mail: info@mobile.org
251-208-7304, Fax: 251-208-7659. 150 Royal St.
Mobile Medical Museum
251-434-5055. 1504 Springhill Ave. Moving to 200 S. Emanuel St during 2002. Open M-F 9-4. Free W
Intriguing display of the obsolete and proven, primitive and innovative, bizarre and commonplace medical artifacts, all of which contribute to today's practice of medicine. Extensive Civil War collection.
The Museum of Mobile CWDT
251-208-7569. 111 S Royal St. Open M-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-5. $
Explore periods of Mobile's fascinating history - colonization, Civil War, 19th and 20th centuries. Special collections and changing galleries.
Montgomery
Montgomery Area Visitor Center
www.visitingmontgomery.com E-mail: tourism@montgomerychamber.org
800-240-9452, 334-261-1100, Visitor Center: 334-262-0013, Fax: 334-261-1111. 300 Water St.
Alabama Department of Archives and History CWDT
www.archives.state.al.us/ E-MAIL: DPENDLET@ARCHIVES.STATE.AL.US
(334)242-4435. 624 Washington Ave, 36130-0100
Houses the Civil War Service Database. To learn more go to:
http://www.archives.state.al.us/civilwar/index.cfm
Alabama State Capitol CWDT
334-242-3184
First White House of the Confederacy NRHP CWDT
334-242-1861. 644 Washington Ave. Open M-F 8-4:30. Free
1835 Italianate-style house was home to Pres. and Mrs. Jefferson Davis while the capitol of the Confederacy was in Montgomery. Home is completely furnished with period pieces from 1850s-1860s.
St. John's Episcopal Church NRHP CWDT
334-262-1937. 113 Madison Ave. Open M-F 8-4 for tours. Free
Gothic-style church, designed by Wills & Dudley of New York, built in 1855. It is the oldest Episcopal church in Montgomery. Many interesting memorials, including the pew of Confederate Pres. Jefferson Davis.
Ride Through History at the Montgomery Area Visitor Center NRHS
800-240-9452, 334-262-0013. Water St. Open M-F 8:30-5, Sat 9-4, Sun 12-4. Free, senior and child rates for trolley.
Start with a stop at our Visitor Center downtown at Historic Union Station where you can see exhibits of Montgomery's soul-stirring past. Ride a riverboat. Catch a trolley to take you past places where the Civil War began and Civil Rights took root. And find out where to sample the heart of our hospitality - our genuine Southern food! One visit will take you back in time, and bring you back for more.
Muscle Shoals-
LaGrange College Site Park & Antebellum Cemetery NRHS
www.recall.lagrange.00me.com/index.html
800-344-0783, 256-383-0783. 1491 LaGrange College Rd, Leighton. Park open year-round, visitor center open Sat 1-5 & by appt. Free W
Site of Alabama's first college, destroyed during the Civil War. Antebellum cemetery. Period structures that have been relocated to the park including a log cabin museum, country store, B&B, and outbuildings.
Newton
Newton Civil War Monument
31-299-3361. King St. Open 24 hours. Free
Stone marker is a reminder of the only Civil War action in Wiregrass area. It occurred in Skipperville in 1864 and Newton one month before the war ended in 1865.
Ozark
Ozark Area COC
www.snowhill.com/ozark E-mail: ozarkcc@anowhill.com
800-582-8497, 334-774-9321, Fax: 334-774-8736. 308 Painter Ave.
Confederate Soldier
800-582-8497, 334-774-9321. S Union Ave, outside lawn of Dale CO Court House. Free
Dedicated to the memory of Dale CO Confederate soldiers who fought in the Civil War (1861-1865). Erected in 1903 by the Stonewall Chapter of the UDC.
Prattville
Prattville Area COC
www.prattville.com E-mail: chamber@pratville.com
334-365-7392, Fax: 334-361-1314. 1002 E. Main St.
Prattaugan Museum and Archives
334-361-0961, 102 E Main St. Open M-F 10-4, Sat by appt. Free, W
Sponsored by Autauga CO Heritage Assn., Museum dedicated to historical preservation of Autauga CO. Features Daniel Pratt memorabilia, Local family history, Civil War room, county artifacts. Genealogy information access.
Roanoke
Randolph CO COC
www.autoac.com/randolph/county E-mail: rancoco@teleclipse.net
334-863-6612, Fax: 334-863-7280. 3355 Hwy 431, Ste 11
Randolph CO Historical Museum
334-863-4129. 809 Main St. Free
Artifacts and history of entire Randolph area. Indian Relics, documents, Civil War memorabilia, collector's pottery made in Rock Mills in the 1860's, vintage clothing, rotating display of Alabama's famous indestructible Ella Smith dolls.
Selma
Selma-Dallas CO COC
www.SelmaAlabama.com E-mail: selmacofc@Zebra.net
800-45-SELMA, 334-875-7241, Fax: 334-875-7142. 513 Lauderdale St.
From its earliest days, Selma has made history. During the Civil War, it was one of the South's main military manufacturing centers, producing tons of supplies and munitions, and turning out Confederate warships such as the ironclad Tennessee. Union General J. H. Wilson's troops destroyed Selma's army arsenal and factories, and much of the city, in a fiery, bloody siege.
Old Cahawba CWDT
http://www.selmaalabama.com/cahawba.htm
http://www.censusdiggins.com/prison_cahaba.html
334-872-8058
Find out if your ancestor was imprisoned in the Cahaba Prison as a captured Union soldier
Old Live Oak Cemetery CWDT
http://www.selmashowcase.com/oldliveoak.htm
334-874-3161
Confederate Monument stands in the center of the cemetery
Old Depot Museum CWT CWDT
334-874-2197. 4 martin Luther King St. Open M-Sat 10-4, Sun by appt. $, senior, group and student rates. W
Interpretive history museum in 1891 railway depot. Artifacts from pre-history Indians through Voting Rights era. Civil War room, Black Heritage wing, military room (pre WWI-Persian Gulf). Victorian firehouse, antique rail cars.
Selma historic District CWDT
334-875-7485
Smitherman Historic Building CWDT
334-874-2174. 109 Union St. Open Tu-Sat 9-4; other times by appt. $, group rates, under 14 free.
Built in 1847 by Selma Masonic Order to serve as a university. It also served as a Confederate hospital, county courthouse and military school. Restored to original beauty. Features Lewis collection of Civil War memorabilia.
Spanish Fort
Historic Blakeley State Park NRHP NRHS CWDT
www.siteone.com/tourist/blakeley/index.html
251-626-0798. 34745 ST Hwy 225. Open 9-5 year-round. $ group rates.
Last major battle of the Civil War. Excellent preserved battlefield. 15 mi/24 km of nature trails. Bikes and horse paths. 3800 acres. Camping- 34 sites, primitive camping, group pavilion, picnic area, BBQ grills, fishing, pets permitted on leash, comfort stations.
Stevenson
Stevenson Railroad Depot NRHP
256-437-3012. Main St. Open Dec-Apr: M-Sat 9-5. Free
During the War Between the States, the Stevenson Railroad Depot, was a Union stronghold. Today, it is a popular stop for a journey through history. In June, the entire city brings back the days when the great iron horses ruled the rails and Stevenson was a major stopping place for weary travelers. Actives are focused around the Depot and include wagon rides to nearby Fort Harker, dating back to the early days of the War Between the States. There are also parades, square dancing, story-telling contests, clogging, museum tours and big band entertainment.
Talladega
Greater Talladega Area COC
www.talladegachamber.com E-mail: chambera@hiwaay.net
256-362-9075, Fax: 256-362-9093. 210 East St. S.
The Cedars Plantation BBAA
256-761-9090. 590 Cheaha Rd. Mundford. 3
1835 Plantation house, 15 ft ceilings, balconies, Civil War library, tennis, pool, walking trails. It is located near Cheaha State Park, Anniston and Talladega Superspeedway. 3 units.
Tallassee
Tallassee COC
www.tallasee.al.us E-mail: chamber@tallassee.al.us
334-283-5151. 301 A King St.
Confederate Armory
334-252-0513. 1844 Outer Dr. Tours by Appt only. Free
When the Confederacy feared the security of Richmond, VA, a decision was made to relocated Richmond Carbine to old 1844 cotton mill in Tallassee. Only Confederate armory survived the Civil War.
Confederate Officers Quarters
334-283-5151. 301 A King St. Open M-F 9-5. Free
When Confederate Armory moved to Tallassee, 3 homes were constructed on King Street by the Confederate government to house officers in command. Only 2 remain, now used as offices.
Rose Hill Cemetery Historic Grave Site
334-283-5151. Micou Dr. Free
Remains of Indian trader Barent Dubose, believed to be Tallassee's 1st settler, and William Parker, body servant to Andrew Jackson during War of 1812, buried here. Graves of other Confederate veterans also located here.
Union Springs
Union Springs/Bullock CO Tourism Council
www.unionspringsalabama.com E-mail: macl@ustconline.net
334-738-TOUR, 334-738-3582, Fax: 334-738-5068. 106 Conecuh St E.
Log Cabin Museum and Confederate Cemetery NRHP CWDT
334-738-8687, 334-738-3582. Hwy 82W. Call for hours. Free
Visit a 1850 log Cabin where the tour is given by a descendent of the original owner. The cemetery includes Union and Confederate Soldiers.
Waterloo
Edith Newman Culver Memorial Museum
256-767-6081, 256-764-3237. 501 Main St. Open F-Sun 1-4. $, Senior, group., child and student rates, under 5 free.
Filled with Antiques, Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, military displays. 2-story framae house built 1872 in traditional T-shape w/ 3 chimneys and 6 fireplaces.