Northern Alabama – Civil War

Stevenson

Stevenson was a busy and strategic spot at the junction of Memphis and Charleston Railroad and the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. Pontoon bridge here allowed thousands of Union soldiers to advance into North Georgia during the Chattanooga Campaign.

Stevenson Railroad Depot Museum

207 W Main St, Stevenson AL 35772
256-437-3012

Bricks salvaged from the ruins of the original 1852 station here were used in the construction of this 1872 building housing exhibits of the town’s rich railroad history including the Civil War.
Open April-November Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm; Saturday 8 am-4 pm.

Fort Harker

Near the intersection of Tennessee Avenue and East Third Street in Stevenson

Constructed by Union soldiers and freed slaves in 1862, this earthen fort stood guard over the Stevenson railroads. It was briefly used as headquarters for Union commander Gen. William Rosecrans during the Chattanooga campaign. A self-guided, interpreted walking tour of the fort is in place.

Decatur

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Civil War Battle Tour

Visitor center
719 Sixth Ave SE, Decatur AL 35602
800-232-5449

Following the loss of Atlanta in September 1864, Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood headed north hoping to disrupt the supply lines used by Union Gen. William T. Sherman during this famed “March to the Sea.” He settled on Decatur as a good place to cross the Tennessee River. But in a series of battles Oct. 26-29 the Union garrison in Decatur turned Hood back, delaying the Confederate offensive and forcing Hood to find another crossing point. A nine-stop interpreted walking tour through the historic district covers important sites related to the battle, including surviving buildings.

The tour brochure is available at the visitor center.

The Blue and Gray: North Alabama Civil War Museum

723 Bank St, Decatur AL 35601
256-350-4018

Billed as the world’s largest private collection of Civil War artifacts, this 5,000-square-foot museum is filled with all varieties of guns, uniform items, artillery shells, autographs and much more. Open 10 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday. $5/adult.

Bridgeport

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Bridgeport Depot Museum

114 Soulard Square, Bridgeport AL 35740
256-495-4020

Exhibits in this post-war building tell the Civil War story of this appropriately named town. Important bridges across the Tennessee River here saw activity throughout the war.
Open Thursday–Friday 9 am–1 pm, Saturday 9 am–3 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm. Free.

Huntsville

Historic Huntsville Depot & Museum

320 Church St NW, Huntsville Al 35801
256-564-8100

Constructed in 1860, this building has been transformed into a interactive kid-friendly museum. During the war the station was used as a hospital and quartered Union troops who left graffiti on the third-floor walls. Other Civil War exhibits, activities available.
Open March–December, Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm. $12/adult.

Hillsboro

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Pond Spring

12280 Alabama Highway 20, Hillsboro AL 35643
256-637-8513

The home of famed Confederate cavalry Gen. Joseph Wheeler is closed during restoration. See the website or call for updates.

Streight’s Raid

In late April 1863 Union Col. Abel Streight led more than 1,500 cavalry across north Alabama aiming for the Confederate-held Western and Atlantic Railroad that connected Atlanta and Chattanooga. He never made it. Confronted by famed Confederate cavalryman Gen. N.B. Forrest near modern-day Cullman April 29–30, Streight was forced to fight a series of battles that really did not end until the Federal commander was forced to surrender near Rome, Ga., on May 3.

A virtual tour of the Cullman County battlefields (Day’s Gap and Hog Mountain) is available on the county’s website.

Crooked Creek Civil War Museum

516 CR-1127, Vinemont AL 35179
256-739-2741

Directions: Take AL Highway 157 West to West Point. Pass through the red light intersection and turn left at the Shell Gas Station. Follow the “Forrest-Streight Route” signs until you see the museum on your left.

Stop here for information about Streight’s Raid near a spot where hastily built Union fortifications still stand on Crooked Creek. A fine collection of Civil War artifacts also is displayed.