Click here to see the Best of 2024 “Most Dangerous” Vacant and Abandoned in Alabama??? video! Today’s micro-adventure is the Best of 2024 “Most Dangerous” Vacant and Abandoned in Alabama???. Many of these towns are …
Click here to watch my latest cinematic short film as I explore the abandoned and burned in Brighton, Alabama. In today’s micro-adventure I explore abandoned and burned places in Brighton, Alabama outside of Birmingham. Technically …
Click here to watch my latest cinematic short film as I explore abandoned areas in Midfield, Alabama… Today I explore the abandoned areas in the city of Midfield, Alabama just outside of Birmingham. Midfield, Alabama …
Click here to see my latest cinematic short film where I go Urban Hiking in Alabama’s most DANGEROUS city – Tarrant? Today I go Urban Hiking in The MOST Dangerous city in Alabama, Tarrant – …
Click here as I go back to Ensley, Alabama – Warning No Stupid People Beyond this Point! Today I find myself exploring the back alleys of Ensley, Alabama once again! Exploring back alleys and other …
In my latest cinematic short film, Whispers of the Past – Abandoned between Hueytown and Jasper, I go rural exploring in Alabama.
My latest cinematic short film, Whispers of the Past – Abandoned between Hueytown and Jasper, was inspired by my childhood. Long Sunday rides in rural areas of Alabama, looking at abandoned places.
So, in this short film I find myself between Hueytown and Jasper, Alabama. Often just taking random roads in this area to see what we can find. I’ll spend most of the time travelling Highway 267 through Concord, Sylvan Springs and Walker County.
According to Wikipedia:
Hueytown is a city in western Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Birmingham metropolitan area, and was part of the heavy industry development in this area in the 20th century. At the 2020 census, the population was 16,776.
Hueytown was the home of the Alabama Gang, famous in NASCAR stock car racing. In 1992 the city became known for the unexplained “Hueytown Hum”, a mysterious noise later thought to be caused by large underground ventilation fans used in a nearby coal mine.
Its nearby residential and business communities were damaged by an F5 tornado on April 8, 1998 and by an EF4 tornado on April 27, 2011.
This week’s micro adventure takes us to the 1838 town of Eutaw, Alabama, Gateway to the Black Belt.
As I explore Eutaw, Alabama the Gateway to the Black Belt, we’ll discover a beautiful town square and antebellum homes. Simply a great example of a Southern City as it should be.
According the the National Historic Database:
In 1838, Greene County citizens voted to change the town seat from Erie to Eutaw. The City of Eutaw, Alabama was incorporated as a town by an act of the State Legislature on January 2, 1841. Greene County had been named for General Nathaniel Greene. The name, Eutaw, was chosen to commemorate the Battle of Eutaw Springs fought in South Carolina in 1781, the battle in which General Greene defeated the British. Since the county had been named for him, the people chose to name the town after his famous victory. The word, “Eutaw,” comes from the aborigines’ language, characterizing the South Carolina Indians as the “Highlanders” or “The Hill Dwellers.” The proposed town was surveyed and laid out by Robert G. Quarles in December 1838. In August 2000, Raymond Steele was elected as the first African American Mayor of Eutaw.
Swann Bridge is the longest Covered Bridge in the state of Alabama. It was built in 1933 in the Locus Fork area if the state in Blount County.
Swann Covered Bridge spans 324 feet over the Black Warrior River.
Wikipidia has this to say about the bridge:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Swann Covered Bridge, also called the Joy Covered Bridge[1] or Swann-Joy Covered Bridge, is a county-owned, wood-and-metal combination style covered bridge that spans the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River in Blount County, Alabama, United States. It is located on Swann Bridge Road off State Route 79, just west of the town of Cleveland,[1] about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Oneonta.
Built in 1933,[1] the 324-foot-long (99 m) bridge is a Town lattice truss with three spans. Its WGCB number is 01-05-05. The Swann Covered Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 20, 1981. It is currently the longest existing historic covered bridge in Alabama and second longest in the state overall after the 334-foot-long (102 m) Twin Creek Covered Bridge in Midway, Alabama, which was built in 2000.[3] The Swann Covered Bridge is maintained by the Blount County Commission and the Alabama Department of Transportation. History
The Swann Covered Bridge was built by a crew led by Zelma C. Tidwell[4] over a scenic gorge of the Locust Fork on property owned by the Swann Farm. It was originally dubbed the ‘Joy Covered Bridge’, as the bridge connected Cleveland with the nearby community of Joy.[1] The bridge was restored by the Blount County Commission in 1979. After the 385-foot-long (117 m) Nectar Covered Bridge (also located in Blount County) burned down in 1993,[4] the Swann Covered Bridge became the longest covered bridge existing in Alabama. It is one of three historic covered bridges remaining in Blount County.[4]
After a routine inspection, the Swann Covered Bridge was closed in 2009 due to unsafe conditions along with nearby Easley Covered Bridge. The Horton Mill Covered Bridge was already closed as a result of vandalism which occurred in 2007. Restoration of all three bridges began in late 2011. Money for these projects primarily came from the federal National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program as well as transportation enhancement funds. The $469,110 construction contract was awarded to Bob Smith Construction of Trussville, Alabama. The Swann Covered Bridge would be the first of the three to be restored. Wooden structural pieces were repaired or replaced as needed and new tin roofs were put on all three bridges in order to keep the weather off vital supporting timbers. Total restoration costs for the covered bridges was approximately $540,000. The difference was covered by county expenditures.
Following necessary repairs and upgrades, the Swann Covered Bridge was reopened to motor vehicle traffic on October 22, 2012. Photos of restoration to the bridge can be viewed via The Birmingham New
In today’s micro adventure I find myself in the Southern City of Jasper, Alabama, founded in 1815.
Jasper, Alabama is a quaint Southern Town in Alabama with beautiful architecture. Many of the old southern buildings of Jasper, Alabama date back to the 1800’s.
The Southern City of Jasper is best known for according to jaspercity.com:
History The BankheadsHistory of Jasper
Lorenzo Dow established the first trading post in the area now containing the City of Jasper in the early 1800s. In 1822, Dr. Gordon Musgrove donated the land for the town and built a log cabin that served as the courthouse, school, and church. The town was named by Hugh Lollar in memory of the Revolutionary War hero Sgt. William Jasper who distinguished himself at the Battle of Fort Moultrie, South Carolina.
The City of Jasper was incorporated in 1887 with G. H. “Jake” Guttery serving as its first Mayor. Jasper serves as the county seat of Walker County and is located in the middle of the Warrior Coal Fields, the second largest in the nation. Jasper sits on or near the Bankhead Highway and Interstate 22.
Jasper has been home to many famous families such as the Bankhead’s which include United States Congressmen, United States Senators, and a Speaker of the House of Representatives during the administration of Franklin Roosevelt. This family along with Carl Elliott of Jasper, whose home here has been turned into a historical museum, Tom Bevill of Jasper & Carter Manasco of Townley make up more than a century (110 years 1887 – 1997) of continuous service by Walker Countians in the United States Congress.
Jasper was once the home of Alabama Central Railroad, transportation for lumber and coal during the years of the steam engine train.
While exploring the Southern City of Jasper, Alabama we decided to take a break for lunch. We found a fantastic Pizza restaurant called Johnny Brusco’s. The service was excellent as was the pizza. A must stop if you’re in the Southern City of Jasper, Alabama. We have since come to find it’s actually a chain with one in the area in which I live. Win, Win!
Today’s micro adventure is a Solo Hike in the Southeast’s Premiere BOULDER Garden known as Horse Pens 40.
Horse Pens 40 is a draw for rock climbers from all over the world seeking pristine bouldering problems.
Horse Pens 40 Bouldering (Rock Climbing) is described by mountainproject.com this way:
A great Bouldering spot/ one of the best in perhaps the world!! Fall and winter are the best times to visit HP40, and has three bouldering competition’s a year/- Chandler Mountain Challenge, HP40 Rocks, Triple Crown Bouldering series!! The rock is sand rock and is some of the best sloper’s in bouldering!! Say thank you to the Schultz family for saving this pristine area for pebble wrestlers to enjoy. PLEASE CHECK IN WITH THE CAMP STORE AND SIGN A WAIVER AND PAY YER FEE. IF YOU TRY TO SNEAK IN, YOU WILL GET CAUGHT AND PROBABLY ASK TO LEAVE.
A guidebook has been published, rockerypress.com/store-2/Ho…; This guide lists topos and descriptions for all HP40 boulder problems. This book is a must have for bouldering in the south!! Got mine, get yours!
Hope you enjoy the chill vibes of my latest micro adventure short film I’m calling – Horse Pens 40 – Solo Hiking the Southeast’s Premiere BOULDER Gardens
In my short film on Horse Pens 40, the first climbers are from Atlanta and the second were from Chattanooga. Awesome folks! But that’ what you usually get with the climbing community.
This week I travel to the home of the S-Town Podcast that has over 100 Million downloads – Woodstock, AL.
S-Town Podcast focuses on two main characters, Tyler Goodson and Jon B. Mclemore.
From stownpodcast.org:
S-Town is a podcast from Serial and This American Life, hosted by Brian Reed, about a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder.
John B. Mclemore the star of the S-Town would commit suicide before the podcast was finished.
Just recently the other main character, Tyler Goodson was shot and killed by Police in Woodstock, Alabama, which would become known as S-Town.
From abc3340.com:
WOODSTOCK, Ala. (WBMA) — The family of podcast figure Tyler Goodson released a statement Monday addressing Goodson’s death.
Authorities said Goodson was shot during a standoff with the Woodstock Police Department and later died at the hospital. In a Facebook post deleted soon after his death, Goodson wrote ‘Police bout to shoot me down in my own yard.’
According to ABCnews.com:
The podcast has been downloaded over 100 million times since its release, WIAT reported. “S-Town” begins telling the story of a reputed killing and also another death and winds up focusing on the eccentric McLemore, a restorer of antique clocks, and his tortured relationship with the town of Woodstock.Dec 5, 2023
So I hope you enjoy the sleepy little town that became known as S-Town.
The Cullman Christmas Market is billed as Bigger and Better than Ever! The Cullman Christmas Market did not disappoint. The Cullman Christmas Market was Awesome! The Cullman Christmas Market is based on a German Medieval Theme!
From their Website: https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/traditions
Christkindlmarkt
The beloved Christmas market, with origins tracing back to late medieval Germany, is a vibrant and festive tradition that comes alive during the four weeks of Advent. These markets, typically nestled in the bustling heart of town squares, are a picturesque scene of quaint wooden huts. Originating as gatherings to provide locals with essential winter goods, they have evolved into a celebration of Christmas, offering an array of culinary treats, heartwarming beverages, and an assortment of festive gifts and handcrafted items. The market’s enchanting ambiance, adorned with holiday decorations, creates a magical experience that delights and captivates visitors of all ages, making it an essential and cherished part of the holiday season.
Weihnachtspyramide
Originating from the Ore Mountains in the German state of Saxony, the German Christmas pyramid has a rich history. Initially conceived in the late 1700s as an economical alternative to traditional Christmas trees, these wooden marvels often feature one to five rotating levels. Today, they have evolved into cherished household decorations during the holiday season and can be spotted in larger forms worldwide, adorning Christmas markets and spreading festive cheer.
In this adventure I go Solo Hiking on a road established in 1861!
It’s the Iron Road in Tannehill State Park in McCalla, Alabama. It was established around 1861 and was used to haul pig iron from the Tannehill Ironworks. It was hauled by 8 team mule wagons 18 miles to the railhead at Montevallo, Alabama.
Much of my solos hike was in the beautiful Tannehill Historical State park. Full of log cabins, streams and so much more.
So, I hope you enjoy this one – Solo Hiking Road Est 1861 – Log Cabins, Streams and More!
