33rd ANNUAL HISTORIC PILGRIMAGE AND ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE

    MARCH 14th-16th 2008

TOUR HISTORIC HOMES, MUSEUMS, CHURCHES & CEMETERIES

The "Confederate" Foundry  circa 1860s

The SDCHPS is currently restoring and stabilizing this building.  A new sign depicting the location as described by Fire Insurance, Sanborn Maps from the late 1800's will aid in telling this building's story.  When the SDCHPS purchased the building there was virtually no roof and much of the exterior wall had collapsed. The building's turn of the century American Industrial Revolution Equipment had not been maintained and had been left to the mercies of the weather.

With the new roof in place the SDCHPS society was able to provide a dry and safe location to preserve, restore and display the building's unique Industrial history.

The restoration of the equipment is an ongoing process that must first start with an extensive historical search to determine the age and use of the equipment.

At one time the 3 building compound was home to the Central City Iron Works.  Later on the site became the headquarters of the Union Iron Works and as you walk around town you may notice some of the iron products that were produced here.

The other buildings on the site housed an auto parts store up until the mid 1980's.  Much of the belt drive equipment can still be found in the rafters of the buildings. 

The SDCHPS has, through the generosity of local supplier and a team of volunteers, spread a layer of river rock over the Foundry's dirt floor to protect the site and allow pedestrian travel during Pilgrimage.  The Foundry has local significance as an American Industrial Revolution site and the site has national significance as the location of a support industry for the Confederate Naval Arsenal.  Some speculate that the building may even date back to 1833 as Shearer's Warehouse.  Two other buildings comprise the current industrial complex, but they are not owned by the SDCHPS and are unfortunately falling into disrepair.

A small creek runs along the back edge of the property and dumps into the Alabama River.  It is conceivable that early Alabama Civilizations may have picked this site to inhabit.

The rich history of the site, combined with the existing buildings onsite, are a strong argument for the overall protection and preservation of the area.   

Points of Interest

Pricing

Send mail to Info@SelmaAlabama.com with questions or comments about this website.  Copyright ã 2002 Selma Dallas County Historic Preservation Society.