Tannehill Ironworks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tannehill Furnace
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 Location in Alabama
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| Location | Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, USA |
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| Area | 2,063 acres (835 ha) |
| Built | 1859-62 |
| Built by | Hillman, Daniel |
| Website | Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000182 |
| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1972 |
The Tannehill Ironworks is a very old place where iron was made. It is the main part of the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. This park is located near McCalla in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
The site is listed as Tannehill Furnace on the National Register of Historic Places. During the American Civil War, it was a key place for making iron for the Confederate army. This iron was used to make weapons.
The old furnace ruins are about 12 miles (19 km) south of Bessemer. They are near the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. The park covers 2,063-acre (835 ha) of land. It also includes the John Wesley Hall Grist Mill and the May Plantation Cotton Gin House. You can also find the Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama here.
Contents
History of Tannehill Ironworks
Early Iron Production
Making iron at this location started in 1830. Daniel Hillman Sr. built a bloomery forge then. A bloomery forge was an early type of furnace. It made iron directly from ore.
Later, from 1859 to 1862, Moses Stroup built three large furnaces. These were called charcoal blast furnaces. They could make 22 tons of "pig iron" every day. Pig iron is a basic form of iron. Most of this iron was sent to Selma. There, it was used to make guns and other military supplies.
Furnaces Nos. 2 and 3 had special hot blast stoves. They also used a steam engine. Brown iron ore was found just two miles (3 km) away. This ore was used to make the iron.
Attack and Destruction
The Tannehill furnaces also had a foundry. A foundry is a place where metal is melted and shaped. Here, they made kettles and "hollow-ware" for the southern troops. Hollow-ware means things like pots and pans.
On March 31, 1865, the furnaces were attacked. Three companies of the U.S. 8th Iowa Cavalry burnt them down. This happened during an event called Wilson's Raid.
Today, the ruins are still there. They are some of the best-preserved 19th-century iron furnace sites in the South.
Influence on Birmingham's Industry
The Tannehill Ironworks was also known as the Roupes Valley Iron Company. It played a big part in the growth of the iron and steel industry in Birmingham.
In 1862, an important test happened at Tannehill. It showed that red iron ore could be used in Alabama blast furnaces. This test was supported by the South & North Railroad. The success of this test led to new government-funded ironworks. These were built closer to Birmingham.
Park and Historical Recognition
Special Listings and Honors
The furnace ruins and rebuilt parts were named an American Society for Metals historical landmark in 1994. This means they are important to the history of metalworking.
The park is also a designated Civil War Discovery Trail site. This trail connects important places from the Civil War. It is also a stop on the Alabama Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail. This trail is for people who enjoy watching birds.
In 2016, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park was named one of the top 10 parks in Alabama. Many people visit it to learn about history and enjoy nature.
Images for kids
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The John Wesley Hall Grist Mill, located within the park.
