West Blocton, Alabama: West Blocton Coke Ovens
Coke was a necessity for iron ore smelting and steel manufacturing. In the late 19th/early 20th century, sites like this converted coal into coke for furnace use. The park contains the blobby ruins of 467 ovens.
West Blocton Coke Ovens Park
- Address:
- 1961 Cahaba River Dr, West Blocton, AL
- Directions:
- SW of Birmingham, from I-20, exit 97 for US-11 S/AL-5 toward W, left onto AL-5 S/US-11 S (signs for WestBlocton/Centreville), left onto AL-5 S, then left onto Blocton Bypass to the park.
- Hours:
- Park open daily dawn-dusk. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 205-938-7622
- Admission:
- Free
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The park is situated among the ruins of 467 ovens that were capable of producing 600 tons of coke daily. There are four rows of the remains of the Cahaba Coal Company's coke ovens. During the Great Depression, the ovens provided shelter for hobos.
Oven construction began in 1887. and the first coke was produced in 1888. Coke is one of the three ingredients to make iron in a blast furnace (the others are iron ore and limestone).
Today, the park features walking trails, picnic tables, boardwalk, and an old small train engine. The park hosts several events during the year (Easter Egg Hunt, Tinsel Trail, Farmers Market, Town Christmas Tree Lighting and much more).
[Kandi Smith, 12/10/2019]Nearby Offbeat Places
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