Experience Anniston, Alabama

Calhoun County is filled with historic spots, including homes, battle grounds, stores and more.
Anniston's history began after the Civil War, when the Tyler and Noble families designed a key industrial element to the New South in 1872. The town grew surrounding the Woodstock Iron Company and cotton mill.
Originally a private company town, Anniston Opened to a broader public in 1883, attracting more commercial and industrial activity. Large magnificent Victorian homes like those on Tyler Hill, some of which still stand, were built. These beautiful homes now include the Parker House Bed and Breakfast, with it's Gothic-like exterior of red brick, Bavarian artisan interior woodworking, French Glass, and cathedral like stained glass.
In 1882, a native sandstone Gothic Structure, executing the cedar, brass and stone architectural theme of Solomon's Temple, formed Grace Episcopal Church.
Between 1888 and 1891, native stone, Italian wood and beautiful lancet stained glass constructed Parker Memorial Baptist Church.
One of the most popular sites is St. Michael and All Angels. This church was built in 1888, with Romanesque style architecture, featuring hand-carved stonework, a 95 foot bell tower, memorial windows, an Italian marble altar and hand-carved interior trusses.
In 1891, the town's only Jewish synagogue was dedicated, Temple Beth El, with its arched transom doorways and high gable roof.
Many Downtown buildings, also date back to the late 1800s, including the Peerless Saloon with its history from the St. Louis World's Fair.
May 14, 1961, the Freedom Riders attack occurred in Downtown Anniston, and now, at the former Greyhound Bus Station at 1031 Gurnee Ave., a painted mural and panels recap the days events and happenings with photographs and witness accounts. There is also a mural for the "Other Bus" the Trailways Bus that followed, painted on the corner of 9th and Noble.
A Freedom Riders Park is being developed along Hwy 202, the former Atlanta-Birmingham Hwy, where the Bus Burning occurred.
Anniston is also home to the Anniston Museum of Natural History, the Berman Museum of World History, as well as the former Fort McClellan.

Anniston is rich in historical sites. Visit www.VisitCalhounCounty.com for more information.