Feb 21

1910 Company Town – An Old City Reborn? Fairfield, Alabama!

Click here to go Urban Hiking in the 1910 Company Town built by US Steel – Fairfield, Alabama – an Old Town Reborn!

In today’s Urban Hiking adventure I go hiking in the 1910 Company Town built by US Steel in Birmingham, Alabama – Fairfield. I’m calling it – 1910 Company Town – An Old City Reborn? Fairfield, Alabama!

According to the Fairfield Housing Authority website:

Historic Town of Fairfield

Fairfield Alabama, founded in 1910, is located southwest of Birmingham in Jefferson County. The city was a planned company town, founded by United States Steel (U.S. Steel), which had purchased the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company (TCI) in 1907. The town initially was named Corey, after U.S. Steel president William E. Corey.

It was organized and built by Birmingham developer Robert Jemison Jr., who formed the Corey Land Company in 1909 for those purposes, hiring Boston landscape developer George H. Miller to design the space.

U.S. Steel officials decided to rename the town Fairfield in 1913 after the Connecticut hometown of another U.S. Steel executive, James A. Farrell. It was incorporated on January 1, 1919. The Corey Land Company also became known as the Fairfield Land Company and continued to develop the town.

A city hall was constructed in 1945 with Works Progress Administration funds, and the town’s population would continue to expand into the 1950s. As the steel industry began to decline, with plant closures, production slowdowns, and stoppages over the following decades, Fairfield’s population fell as well. Construction of Interstates 20 and 59 in the 1960s and 1970s required the demolition of the northern edge of Fairfield’s residential section closest to the steel plant.

Fairfield, however, still retains some of its industrial roots. Hanna Steel Corporation built a manufacturing facility in 1983, and Fairfield Works remains in operation, producing raw steel and manufacturing tubular steel products. It is one of the largest remaining steel operations in the South.

According to 2018 Census estimates, Fairfield recorded a population of 10,622.

Public education in Fairfield is administered by the Fairfield City School District. It oversees three K-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle school, a 9-12 preparatory high school, a 10-12 grade vocational school, and a K-12 alternative school. In addition, several private religious-based institutions collectively serve nearly 350 students. The historically black Miles College and Miles Law School are located in Fairfield.

Fairfield City Park features athletic fields and tennis courts, and the city oversees a community center. On the National Register of Historic Places are the Flintridge Building (1951), a former headquarters of TCI; the Miles Memorial College Historic District; and Parham Apothecary Building (ca. 1925). Fairfield’s proximity to Birmingham also provides numerous diversions for residents.

Feb 14

Hope? Urban Hiking the 1832 City of Talladega, AL! Any Hope – YES THERE IS!

Click here and join me on another epic Urban Hiking adventure to Talladega, Alabama founded in 1832.

In this Urban Hiking micro adventure I find myself in the city of Talladega, Alabama which was founded in 1832! I’m calling it – Hope? Exploring the 1832 City of Talladega, AL! Any Hope – YES THERE IS!

Talladega is undergoing a huge change in their main street area downtown as you will see.

While urban hiking in Talladega, funded in 1832 I find this very interesting structure – it was just beautiful. It’s the one in my thumbnail. When I got returned home I researched it and this is what I found on the design200.org website:

Talladega- Isbell Bank

When terracotta is used as a building material, it is typically used only for ornamentation such as an embellishment around windows and doors. The Isbell National Bank in Talladega is a rarity, having been constructed in 1869 entirely out of red-hued terracotta. The bank is believed to be one of only five remaining architectural terracotta buildings east of the Mississippi River. Merchant James Isbell founded the bank in 1848, making it the oldest continually operating bank in Alabama. It is now called the First Bank of Alabama.

Other interesting facts about Talladega, founded in 1832:

According to mainstreetalabama.org:

Talladega received Main Street Alabama Designation in June 2022. Talladega’s priorities for the downtown district include: “ensuring the financial well-being of our city by promoting economic development; attracting business and industry; preserving and protecting the historic character; getting buildings up to code and securing tenants in vacant buildings; strengthening partnerships within and beyond the community; increasing pedestrian walkability for all users, including the blind; creating greater access to the newly formed entertainment district” to name a few.

According to ritztalladega.com related to the Ritz Theatre:

Talladega’s Ritz Theatre (circa 1936) is considered one of the best surviving examples of the Art Deco mainstreet theatres of the 1930′s.

Careful restoration of the landmark’s extraordinary facade – comprised exclusively of opaque structural glass, a common construction material used lavishly during the Deco period in buildings like the Rockefeller Center in New York City – was completed in late 1997 with perfectly matched antique vitrolite glass by renowned St. Louis artisan Timothy J. Dunn.

The historic Ritz Theatre reopened on February 16, 1998 as the premiere performing arts center of East Central Alabama with a concert by the National Symphony String Quintet.

Read this article from the 1930s about how the Ritz was the most modern theater in the Martin chain at it’s launch.

According to hmdb.org related to the historic courthouse:

The Talladega Courthouse was built in 1836 and is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in Alabama. The courthouse survived a tornado on May 11, 1912 that destroyed the clock tower, and a fire on March 13, 1925 that severely damaged the structure.

I’ll even travel to the world renowned – The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

So I hope you like my latest Urban Hiking micro-adventure that I’m calling – Hope? Exploring the 1832 City of Talladega, AL! Any Hope – YES THERE IS!

Feb 07

Exploring the 1823 town of Centreville’s Old Southern Homes 1832-1923!

Click here and join me on another micro adventure as I explore the old Southern City of Centreville, Alabama’s old Southern homes – 1832-1923!

In today’s micro adventure we’re traveling back to the beautiful Southern city of Centreville, Alabama to explore the beautiful historical Southern homes! I’m calling this one – Exploring the 1823 town of Centreville’s Old Southern Homes 1832-1923!

Centreville was founded in 1823 on the banks of the Cahaba river.

Centreville is home to several beautiful old Southern mansions dating from 1823 to 1923.

This old Southern city of Centreville, Alabama located in Bibb County was founded in 1823.

Here is more information on the old Southern city of Centerville from

The seat of Bibb County, Centreville, was first incorporated on January 21, 1832. The town was built at the location of a waterfall on the Cahaba River and is noted for its historic district and courthouse.

Some of the historic landmarks you see in this micro adventure to the old Southern city of Centreville from the city of Centreville’s website:

Bibb County Courthouse

Built in 1902, the courthouse is the centerpiece of the town square in Centreville. The elegant building has undergone extensive renovation and preservation and is one of the busiest spots in the County. The Confederate Monument, dedicated in 1910 by the Leonard Callaway Pratt Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy stands guard in front of the courthouse along with a memorial to WWII Medal of Honor recipient Ross F. Gray.

Davidson-Hobson House

The original house on Walnut St., Centreville, was built in 1837 by James Lafayette Davidson, an officer in the Confederate Army and a Probate Judge for Bibb County. According to legend and historical records, two Union soldiers were killed by Confederate snipers as they crossed the nearby Cahaba River Bridge, and they were interred on the property in an unmarked grave. Listed on National Register of Historic Places.

Henry-Kennedy House

Built in 1837 as a stagecoach stop and hotel called the Eagle Tavern. Yankee officers took over the hotel during the Civil War, and Federal Troops remained in the building for more than two years. John Perry Kennedy ran the inn until 1900 when it was purchased for a personal residence.

Oakley-Melton House

The former lodge at 568 Walnut St., Centreville, opened its doors in 1852 as a school building. Although the original structure burned in 1894, it was rebuilt and renamed Centreville High School until 1906, when it was purchased by O.C. Oakley for his residence.

Centreville Bank Building

Originally known as the Bibb County Banking and Trust Company, the bank was built in 1899. The three-story building originally housed a bank and the U.S. Post Office on the first floor and a hotel on the two upper floors.

So I hope you like my latest micro adventure – Exploring the 1823 town of Centreville’s Old Southern Homes 1832-1923!

Jan 31

Exploring the OLD 1823 Southern City of Centreville, AL!

Click here and join me as I explore the OLD Southern city of Centreville, Alabama, founded in 1823!

In my latest micro adventure I go exploring in the old Southern city of Centreville, Alabama, founded in 1823! I’m calling it, Exploring the OLD 1823 Southern City of Centreville, AL!

This old Southern city of Centreville, Alabama located in Bibb County was founded in 1823.

Here is more information on the old Southern city of Centerville from

The seat of Bibb County, Centreville, was first incorporated on January 21, 1832. The town was built at the location of a waterfall on the Cahaba River and is noted for its historic district and courthouse.

Some of the historic landmarks you see in this micro adventure to the old Southern city of Centreville from the city of Centreville’s website:

Bibb County Courthouse

Built in 1902, the courthouse is the centerpiece of the town square in Centreville. The elegant building has undergone extensive renovation and preservation and is one of the busiest spots in the County. The Confederate Monument, dedicated in 1910 by the Leonard Callaway Pratt Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy stands guard in front of the courthouse along with a memorial to WWII Medal of Honor recipient Ross F. Gray.

Davidson-Hobson House

The original house on Walnut St., Centreville, was built in 1837 by James Lafayette Davidson, an officer in the Confederate Army and a Probate Judge for Bibb County. According to legend and historical records, two Union soldiers were killed by Confederate snipers as they crossed the nearby Cahaba River Bridge, and they were interred on the property in an unmarked grave. Listed on National Register of Historic Places.

Henry-Kennedy House

Built in 1837 as a stagecoach stop and hotel called the Eagle Tavern. Yankee officers took over the hotel during the Civil War, and Federal Troops remained in the building for more than two years. John Perry Kennedy ran the inn until 1900 when it was purchased for a personal residence.

Centreville Bank Building

Originally known as the Bibb County Banking and Trust Company, the bank was built in 1899. The three-story building originally housed a bank and the U.S. Post Office on the first floor and a hotel on the two upper floors.

So I hope you like my latest micro adventure – Exploring the OLD 1823 Southern City of Centreville, AL!

Jan 24

Riding in One of the OLD SOUTH’S most DANGEROUS cities! Ep – 38

Click here and join me as I go for a ride in one of the Old South’s most dangerous cities!

In today’s micro adventure I travel to one of the Old South’s most dangerous cities, I’m calling it – Riding in One of the OLD SOUTH’S most DANGEROUS cities! Ep – 38.

Whenever I explore cities like this I always wonder what things were like in their prime. But I also live in hops that one day they will see a revival.

While the crime rate in the most dangerous cites in America might be high we all know that the majority of the population are great people. They are hard workers making a living for their family. Typically the crime is subjected to certain parts of a city.

While traveling in Old Southern cities like this I have always felt very safe. The people have been nice etc…

That’s why I hope for a revival in many of these old southern cities.

So I hope you enjoy my latest adventure in the Old South that I’m calling – Riding in One of the OLD SOUTH’S most DANGEROUS cities! Ep – 38

Jan 17

1800’s Coal Miner Mass Graves Found near Coke Ovens and Once Lawless Town of West Blocton! Ep-38

Click here and join me on another Epic Micro Adventure as I discover a mass grave site for coal miners from the 1800’s! Then I’ll visit the site of ruined Coke Ovens – you’ll just need to watch to understand!

In my latest micro adventure that I’m calling, 1800’s Coal Miner Mass Graves Found near Coke Ovens and Once Lawless Town of West Blocton! Ep-38, I travel back to the 1800’s once lawless town of West Blocton in Bibb County, Alabama.

While there I find the 1800’s Italian Catholic cemetery. According to internment.com – Blocton Italian Catholic Cemetery was placed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 22, 1999.
History

In the late 19th Century, hundreds of Italians immigrated to Bibb County, Alabama to work in the coalmines of the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company (TCI). In spite of segregation and discrimination, these immigrants established a thriving and vibrant community in Blocton, Alabama. In addition to their own community known as Little Italy, the Italian immigrants founded St. Francis of Assisi Church and later, the the Catholic cemetery.

Blocton Italian Catholic Cemetery was established in 1896 and consecrated in 1901. It was used until 1970. The cemetery is located in what was then the coal mining community of Blocton, a town developed by TCI.

Little Italy, the immigrant’s separate community, was located northeast of the cemetery, straddling a railroad spur which served the Klondike Mine and TCl’s #3,6, and 9 mines.

The Italian Catholic Cemetery contains approximately 86 monuments of modest range and variety, representing over 100 Italian family names.

Then I travel to a very interesting ruins site in Bibb County near West Blocton known as Coke Oven Park. Cokeovenpark.com has this to say – Originally opened in 1996, the West Blocton Coke Ovens Park is situated among the ruins of 467 ovens that were capable of producing 600 tons of coke daily. Construction on the ovens began in 1887 and the first coke was produced in 1888. The Blocton ovens complex was once one of the largest of its kind in the state.

Coke is one of the three ingredients needed to make iron in a blast furnace, the others being iron ore and limestone. Coal was top-loaded into the ovens, heated to 2,800 degrees to burn off impurities, leaving coke which is almost pure carbon.

Then I travel back to the once Lawless 1800’s town of West Blocton to eat at the Tiger Hut!

Hope you enjoy my latest micro adventure that I’m calling – 1800’s Coal Miner Mass Graves Found near Coke Ovens and Once Lawless Town of West Blocton! Ep-38

Jan 10

Taking Random Roads Ends in a Hike – And I Find This! Provided Iron for Confederate Ordinance? Ep-32

Click here and Join me on another micro adventure as I discover the Tannehill Furnace once used to supply iron for Confederate ordinance!

My latest micro adventure that I’m calling – Taking Random Roads Ends in a Hike – And I Find This! Provided Iron for Confederate Ordinance? Ep-32 – I find a little of everything! Barns, beautiful countryside, old homes, new homes some abandoned, vacant, lived in – you can decide.

After taking a bunch of random roads I end up at Tannehill State Park for an early morning hike. While hiking I come across the massive structure known as the Tannehill Furnace, which helped provide iron for Confederate Ordinance.

Here’s what wikipedia has to say: The Tannehill Ironworks is the central feature of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near the unincorporated town of McCalla in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Tannehill Furnace, it was a major supplier of iron for Confederate ordnance.

Tannehill State Park has many rustic period cabins to rent as well the state park website has this to say: The park has 7 rental cabins. 6 are rustic log cabins from the 1800s that have been moved into the park and restored. The Nelson House is a trailer that has been converted to a cabin. All the cabins have a furnished kitchen, living room with a fireplace, bathroom, heat and air-conditioning.* One rack of firewood is furnished per stay Labor Day until Memorial Day. Additional firewood may be purchased at the Country Store. There are no TVs, radios or telephones in the cabins. Cabins are intended for overnight use only. Rental for parties or entertainment purposes is prohibited.

So, I hope you enjoy my latest micro adventure that I’m calling – Taking Random Roads Ends in a Hike – And I Find This! Provided Iron for Confederate Ordinance? Ep-32

Jan 03

West Blocton – Once Described as 1884 Lawless Coal Mining Town! Urban Hiking Ep-37

Click here and join me on another epic adventure as I go Urban Hiking in West Blocton, Alabama, a coal mining town once known for lawlessness!

In my latest adventure I visit West Blocton, Alabama, once described as a lawless coal mining town. I’m calling this one, West Blocton – Once Described as Lawless Coal Mining Town! Urban Hiking Ep-37.

Yes, all the usual suspects are in this one as well – barns, beautiful country landscapes, what appears to be some abandoned, uninhabited or vacant homes – but as usual you get to decide what you think on those!

Here’s what the Encyclopedia of Alabama’s website has to say about West Blocton: West Blocton sprang up in the late nineteenth century near mines owned by the Cahaba Coal Company. It was the fastest-growing town in the coal-mining district and had the reputation for lawlessness. It first was dubbed Suttletown after an early store owner in the area, then Smith, and finally West Blocton to differentiate it from the nearby town of Blocton, which no longer exists. Both towns supposedly derived their names from the huge intact blocks of coal, some weighing as much as a ton, that were removed from the mine. West Blocton was incorporated in 1901.
Several businesses quickly opened, including in 1901 a dispensary that gave half of its profits to the town. Other businesses included dry goods stores, a stable a photographer, and so on. A rudimentary water system was available by 1902, and the first public school opened in 1903. The first post office opened in 1904. The town was notable for its large Jewish community, which had largely disappeared by the 1920s.
In 1903, West Blocton was hit by a tornado, then by a flood in 1916, and then by a major fire in 1927. The town rebuilt each time. In 1935, the town’s high school was declared structurally unsound and a new one was built.

The Historical Marker Database site notes what’s on the historical marker at the beginning of the town – West Blocton began as a business and residential community adjoining the Cahaba Coal Mining Company’s town of Blocton in 1883-84. West Blocton incorporated in 1901. Eugene D. Reynolds was the first mayor, 1901-1904, followed by Dr. L.E. Peacock, 1904-1906. A son of Italian Immigrants, Frank T. Ferrire, has been the longest serving mayor, 1965-1984. West Blocton was the commercial center of the southern Cahaba coal field serving the neighboring company towns and mining camps of Belle Ellen, Piper, Lucille, Gurnee, Coleanor, Garnsey, Galloway, Marvel, Moffatt, Masena, Braehead, Red Eagle and Hargrove. Economic opportunity attracted a diverse population. An Italian Catholic Cemetery lies just east of town and the League of Brothers Synagogue was built on Main Street in 1905. Bibb County’s first bank, the Blocton Savings Bank was established in 1892. By 1910, West Blocton boasted of 55 businesses including a newspaper, bottling works, hotels, general stores, lawyers, doctors, photographers, shoemaker, tailor and dentist offices. West Blocton is now the home of the Cahaba Lily Festival.

Jan 02

Unexpected Find in Shelby County, Alabama? Train Graveyard/Museum? Rural Exploration Ep – 31!

Click here and join me on another micro adventure as I explore the Heart of Dixie train museum and so much more!

My latest rural exploration micro adventure has it all – beautiful countrysides, old barns, vacant, abandoned and uninhabited stuff – but you decide that! But then I come up on the unexpected train graveyard/museum! It’s the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum!

I’m calling this one Unexpected Find in Shelby County, Alabama? Train Graveyard/Museum? Rural Exploration Ep – 32!

This one has your usual suspects – old barns, beautiful countrysides, rural landscapes. You can decide if they are abandoned, uninhabited or just vacant or lived in!

But the unexpected find is the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. It was waaay more than expected! The Heart of Dixie Railroad museum is located in Calera, Alabama in Shelby County just outside of Birmingham. The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has a ton of old cars to see and photograph.

As per the Heart of Dixie railroad museum website:

As the official railroad museum of the state of Alabama our museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses. Our exhibits, operating railroads, and educational programs function as both a unique means of tourism and recreation, and also a way to preserve the rich history of Alabama and our nation.

So I hope you like my latest Rural Exploration micro adventure that’s all about the usual suspects and this time the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum/Graveyard!

Dec 20

What I found on an Early Ride in Jefferson County – Rural Exploration Ep-30

Click here and join my on my latest micro adventure where we discover new places on an Early Morning ride in Jefferson County, Alabama!

Join me on an Early Ride in Jefferson County, Alabama in a short film I’m calling, What I found on an Early Ride in Jefferson County – Rural Exploration Ep-30!

Ever wonder where a road goes? That’s what we do! If we see a road and wonder where it goes – we go and find out. In doing so we often find incredible landscapes, rural landscapes and all that goes along with a ride in the country.

In this rural exploration video we’ll find some incredible stuff… Beautiful country homes, horses, old cars and trucks and a few barns! Abandoned? Vacant? Uninhabited? You decide on this micro adventure in Jefferson County, Alabama!

Jefferson County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Alabama, located in the central portion of the state. As of the 2020 census, its population was 674,721. Its county seat is Birmingham. Wikipedia
Area: 1,124 mi²
Founded: December 13, 1819
Population: 667,820 (2021)
County seat: Birmingham
Colleges and Universities: University of Alabama at Birmingham, MORE