Historic Sites
Alabama Constitution Village
The village consists of eight reconstructed buildings from 1819. Buildings include the Confectionery Shop, Constitution Hall, the Stephen Neal house, including the stables, the barn and detached kitchen, Clement Clay Law Office, the Humphrey-Rodgers House (a brick Georgian Revival townhouse), and the John Boardman Complex which includes slaves' and servants' quarters, a newspaper shop and a library. For information call: (800)678-1819
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Arab Historical Society
The arab Historical Complex contains buildings from the arab area that were built in the 1880 to 1935 time period. These buildings represent the lifestyle of the area during its most formative years. There are currently two buildings restored (the 1935 Old Hunt School and a 1912 church), with reconstruction of a third due to be completed in 1996. The complex is being financed through donations and the sale of Historical Society publications. The completed complex will contain eight or more buildings representing most of the activities carried on in that time period. For information call: (205)586-4225
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Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park
The Bibb County Iron Company began making iron here in 1862 and soon became a Confederate ironworks. The Union soldiers destroyed the works in 1865. after the war, Thomas Jefferson Peter rebuilt the furnace, but competition from the Birmingham furnaces forced him out of business by 1894. In addition to the remains of the furnaces, the park offers hiking/nature trails, campsites, a Country Store, a museum cabin and swimming pool. For information call: (205)665-1856
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Fort Gaines Historic Site
Fort Gaines is a Renaissance-style fort established in 1821 to provide coastal defense against foreign aggression. It was an important site during the Civil Wars famous Battle of Mobile Bay ("Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!"). See the battlements and soldier's living quarters which were used from the 1800s to 1946. Touch the cannons actually used during battle, and explore the tunnels and bastions that made the fort strong. Browse through the museum and other exhibit rooms. Special events monthly. For information call: (334)861-6992
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Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
Begun originally in 1830, the ironworks were greatly expanded after William J. Sanders purchased the operation in 1862. By 1864, Tannehill turned out as many as 20 tons of pig iron a day as part of the Confederate war industry. However, in March 1865, the Eighth Iowa Cavalry destroyed the works. Today, there are more than 1500 acres preserved for hiking, camping and recreation. Visitors may view the massive stone furnaces and learn about alabama's 19th century iron industry in the Iron and Steel Museum. The park includes a cotton gin, pioneer farm and working gristmill. Campgrounds are on-site and nearby Tannehill Trails offers horseback riding. For information call: (205)477-5711
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Tourist Attractions
Birmingham Zoo
On 100 acres of wooded parkland, the zoo is home to over 800 animals, many of them rare, exotic and endangered. The zoo features such animals as cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes, cobras, rhinos, wart hogs and many others. a fun and educational experience for all ages, the zoo is also wheelchair accessible. Picnic areas are available. For information call: (205)879-0408
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Dauphin Island Sea Lab Education Center
The center contains a variety of aquariums and dry exhibits relating to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, Barrier Island, and coastal waters. attractions open to the public: Sea Pines Trail and Mr. Sand Exhibit; Dauphin Island Sea Lab; Living Marsh and Boardwalk; Ladner Pavilion. For information call: (334)861-2141
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Water World
Water World offers water recreation for people of all ages. The site includes a giant wave pool, a triple-flume water slide, a magical kiddie pool, concessions, gift shop, video arcade and picnic facilities. For information call: (334)793-0297
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Alabama Princess Riverboat
an authentic replica of a nineteenth century sternwheeler, the alabama Princess offers leisurely luncheon and dinner cruises along the scenic and historic Coosa River. Sightseeing cruises are available from May to October. Charters and groups are welcomed year-round. For information call: (205)549-1111
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U.S. Space and Rocket Center
The world's largest space attraction includes full-size rockets in Rocket Park, the Pathfinder (a life-size mock-up of the Space Shuttle), bus tours of NaSa, OMNIMaX movies, a moon rock, and hands-on exhibits for all ages. Experience the g-forces of blast-off and the weightlessness of space on the Space Shot; take a flight to Jupiter on Journey to Jupiter; learn about life on a space station in Outpost in Space. The center is also home of U.S. Space Camp and aviation Challenge. For information call: (205)837-3400
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