Alabama Iron and Steel Museum - Birmingham, Alabama

The iron and steel industry played a major role in the development of the modern South, particularly in the state of Alabama.

Iron and steel production was the foundation upon which the city of Birmingham was built and also gave rise to other important communities in the state, including nearby Anniston. The industry has a rich history in Alabama and undoubtedly the best place to explore it is the Alabama Iron and Steel Museum.

Located at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near Birmingham, the museum explores the role that iron and steel production have played in the development of the state. Visitors to the outstanding museum can explore displays that allow them to walk through the history of iron and steel production in Alabama. Displays feature rare artifacts from the industry's past and life-sized exhibits demonstrating different aspects of the work involved in the production of the iron and steel that helped fuel the country's industrial explosion.

The exhibits focus around the operation of the ironworks at Tannehill in particular. These furnaces helped produce thousands of tons of iron for the Confederate war effort before they were destroyed by Union troops during Wilson's Raid through Alabama and Georgia. Displays in the museum include artillery shells and a cannon produced using Alabama iron.

The Alabama Iron and Steel Museum is open daily. For more information, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/tannehillmuseum.