Heflin City Clerk Shane Smith stands near the entrance of Cahulga Creek Park on the edge of town and points toward the picturesque tree-covered mountain ridge before him. Less than five miles away, through part of the Talladega National Forest, the popular Pinhoti Trail passes by on its way toward the Georgia state line. Continue reading →

July 5, 1819 – In preparation for statehood, Alabama’s first constitutional convention was held in Huntsville, the state’s temporary seat of government. Forty-four delegates from 22 counties attended the convention, which lasted until Aug. 2, when the state ratified its first constitution. Continue reading →

Alabama Public Television is producing a series of videos titled “Alabama Legacy Moments” that offer a quick history of the people, places and stories that have defined Alabama. Done in conjunction with the ongoing bicentennial celebration of the state that concludes in 2019, the short pieces should inspire you to learn more about the rich history of Alabama. “Alabama Legacy Moments”  are sponsored by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and the Alabama Broadcasters Association. Continue reading →

Jim Grupczynski wouldn’t want any other job on the ship. “When you look at a battleship, what do you see – guns,” said Grupczynski, pointing back to the USS Alabama’s aft turret of 16-inch guns. Grupczynski plays the part of the gunner’s mate first class for the Alabama’s Living History Crew. Continue reading →

July 4, 1861: Representatives of Winston County met at Looney’s Tavern to draft a declaration demanding that the “Free State of Winston” be left out of the Civil War. Continue reading →

When some folks retire, they go home, put up their feet and take it easy. Harry Dearing went home, found some fallen trees and went to work. “I retired in 2013 when I was 75,” he says. “I realized I’d better get busy doing something.” So Dearing, who had worked in the lumber business and with preserved botanicals for nearly 50 years, turned his knowledge into works of wooden art. Continue reading →

With beef this cheap for the Fourth of July, you might as well invite the whole neighborhood over for burgers. Continue reading →