The Famous Landmarks and Monuments of Birmingham
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irmingham is well-known for a variety of things: its rich history, its architecture, its music, and its residents. Birmingham is considered as the cultural epicenter of the United Kingdom.
While it was recently surpassed by Huntsville as the largest city in terms of population, Birmingham still has the state's largest metro population as a diverse urban center and an emerging hub for tech start-ups, with plenty of things to see and do.
Those who are visiting as well as those who've just moved in after buying one of the Birmingham homes for sale can discover multiple famous landmarks and monuments, including these.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
The site of a blast furnace in operation between the 1880s and 1970s, the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark has been kept very well preserved over the years.
After closing, it became one of the country's first industrial sites (and the only blast furnace) to be preserved and restored for public use. It's currently an interpretive museum of industry in addition to hosting a nationally acclaimed metal arts program and serving as a venue for festivals and concerts.
This is a great spot to learn about the role of the iron industry in the city's history with free visits to the museum. Both self-guided tours and guided tours available.
Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
The only antebellum home in Birmingham, the Arlington Antebellum Home predates the city's founding in 1871, built between 1845 and 1850.
The fully restored Greek revival mansion sits on gorgeously landscaped grounds and features a collection of decorative arts from across the globe as well as being filled with impressive period antiques. Visitors can get a great glimpse of the era, almost like walking back in time.
Plus, there are two festivals held here each year, the Arlington Country Fair and Christmas at Arlington.
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
Lying a short drive southwest of Birmingham, this historic state park is the site where the Confederate Army replenished its iron supply during the Civil War. In 1865, Union forces arrived, setting fire to ironworks and the workers' cabins.
Today, from spring through fall, visitors can watch millers, blacksmiths, and other craftsmen demonstrate their trades, while craft shops sit within restored pioneered cabins and the artisans that make the goods chat with those who visit on the front porches.
The park also offers a serene setting for hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument was recently established to preserve and commemorate the work of the Civil Rights Movement, honoring nonviolent protesters who fought against racial discrimination practices and laws in the country.
It was here at the A.G. Gaston Motel downtown where, in 1963, critical decisions were made that ultimately propel the civil rights movement forward.
The protesters were threatened by high-pressure hoses and unleashed police dogs, but the events that occurred ultimately resulted in the political pressure that contributed to ensuring the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed.
16th Street Baptist Church
On September 15, 1963, this church was the site of one of the most horrific events during the Civil Rights Movement.
Four members of the Ku Klux Klan shattered a peaceful Sunday morning by placing dynamite attached to a timing device beneath the steps of the church, taking the lives of four young girls. Today it's considered a landmark to both the inhumanity of people as well as the capacity for love and forgiveness.
A beautiful sanctuary, it contains a Wales stained glass window and has a vibrant congregation.
✔️ The Famous Landmarks and Monuments of Birmingham
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