As we move closer to building RMP, the Staff and Commission have found ourselves at the park more and more often–this move will prove convenient and time-saving.  While moving is not at the top of my favorite hobbies(not even close!), we will hopefully survive and get settled in our new home by the end of next week.

Have a fantastic Labor Day weekend and tune in next week for pictures of what we hope is the easiest move in history!..

“Whereas, Red Mountain is the industrial foundation and soul of the city of Birmingham; and Whereas, During its history, Red Mountain had thousands of miners working in over 70 iron ore mines and living in local mining villages such as Redding, Smyth, Ishkooda, Wenonah, Muscoda, Sloss, Woodward and Raimund; and Whereas, For 108 years, Red Mountain miners produced over 10, 750 pounds of iron ore every minute in hundreds of miles of underground excavations; and Whereas, As the workers in the mines that supplied ‘The Arsenal of Democracy’, Red Mountain miners produced an average of 10 percent of our Nation’s iron ore, built our nation’s infrastructure, and won two world wars; and Whereas, As highly skilled laborers, Red Mountain miners of all races played a crucial role in the industrial growth, strength, and history of our city, our state, and our nation.”

If you know someone who worked on Red Mountain or lived in the surrounding mining communities, please let us know.  We have had a great time getting to know all of the people who have such a strong personal tie to Red Mountain Park.

“Closely associated deposits of iron ore, limestone, and coal enables foundry-grade iron ore to be made here more cheaply than anywhere else in the nation…From Tannehil, which began making iron in 1830, to the Sloss City Furnaces, which helped make Birmingham the ‘Pittsburgh of the South’, history buffs and tourists alike can walk the very pathways of the old iron workers.” 

Pretty neat, stuff.  Glad I’ve secured my copy.  Have a great weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp9hK7gFnds

We are happy to say that we have had so many requests for presentations about the park that we felt the need to build a group that would conquer some of those speaking engagements.  Where’s the very first place we looked to find the some of the  people who can talk about Red Mountain Park the best?  The Friends of Red Mountain Park.  We took some of the Friends that knew the park the best and then trained them further on all of the content of our community presentations so that they would be fully equipped to speak to any group.  It is a lively bunch with great park perspective and a great ability to spread the Red Mountain Park fever.

How can you be one of the first groups or organizations to utilize the Red Mountain Park Speaker’s Bureau?  Just give us a call at our office (254.1909) or email us at: contact@redmountainpark.org.  We will set your group up with a speaker that will tailor the park presentation to your time and needs.  Happy Bureau-ing!