It was integral to the local economy and key to the Confederate war effort.  They had iron ore, limestone and timber for charcoal all within just miles of one another and near many streams for water power.  Furnaces sprung up all around the Birmingham area.  Most are in ruins now but the Tannehill Ironworks state park preserves several for all to see.   They demo iron working and other period trades and crafts during their high season…just a walk through this time of year but still pretty interesting.  They have moved some 1890s cabins into the park and refurbished them as rentals.  I think that could be a fun way to be a bit more immersed in the experience on one of their pioneer weekends.

I didn’t realize how big a role this area played in the early American iron and steel industry.  Birmingham is still huge in cast iron pipe production.  Learn something every day.