It’s no secret Alabama is filled with great history. Fortunately, many remarkable ruins are located throughout the state that allow us to better understand this history. Listed below are eight ruins in Alabama that are still around today. You’ll want to visit them all!
1. Old Capitol Building - Tuscaloosa
During the years 1826-1846, Tuscaloosa served as Alabama's state capital. Sadly, in 1923, the Old Capitol Building burned to the ground. Today, its ruins can be visited at what's now known as Capitol Park.
Address: 2828 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401
2. Forks of Cypress - Florence
Forks of Cypress is a former Greek Revival-style plantation home that was built in 1822. After being struck by lightning in 1966, it burned to the ground. All that's left is its brick pillars. Address: Jackson Road, Florence, AL, 35633
3. West Blocton Coke Ovens - West Blocton
The historic West Blocton Coke Ovens are located at West Blocton Coke Ovens Park. The construction of these ovens began in 1887, and their "dome shape" is why they're often referred to as "beehive" coke ovens. There's no record that the West Blocton Coke Ovens were used after 1909. However, hobos supposedly used them for shelter during the Great Depression. Address: 1961 Cahaba River Drive, West Blocton, AL, 35184
4. Fort Morgan - Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan, which is located on the Gulf Coast, is a historic battle site that was built between the years 1819-1834. During the Civil War, it played a huge role in the "Battle of Mobile Bay." People come from near and far to visit this famous ruin. Address: 110 Alabama 180,
Gulf Shores, AL, 36542
5. Crocheron Mansion - Old Cahaba
The Crocheron Mansion was built in the 1840s and burned down in the early 1900s. Today, all that's left are a few brick columns that are best known as the "Crocheron Columns."
6. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve - Birmingham
Ruffner Mountain is one of Alabama's most beautiful and historic nature spots. From the late 1800s to the 1950s, one of the main activities that took place on this mountain was iron ore mining. Today, you can see parts of the mine that were left behind on Ruffner Mountain, which is best known as Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Address: 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35206
7. Fort Gaines - Dauphin Island
Fort Gaines was established in 1821 and is one of the main sites of the "Battle of Mobile Bay." While visiting the ruins of this famous battle site, you'll encounter original cannons, a blacksmith shop, a series of tunnels, and more. Fort Gaines is one of America's best preserved Civil War era masonry forts, and it's a must-visit for history lovers of all ages.
Address: 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528
8. Methodist Episcopal Church - Old Cahaba
Old Cahaba's Methodist Episcopal Church was built in the late 1840s, and in 1954, it was destroyed by fire. While standing, it served the residents of Cahaba. Today, the ruins are all that remains of this historic church.
Have you ever seen any of these remarkable ruins up close and in person? If so, what did you think? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if you’re aware of any other ruins that belong on this list, let us know.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.