Tag Archives: Red Mountain

Neighborhoods, shades mountain, Vestavia

Birmingham’s Mountains

Look south from Birmingham’s city center and you’ll see Birmingham’s two parallel mountain ridges which define the surburban layout. Red Mountain is topped by Vulcan and some of Birmingham’s finest Redmont mansions. Shades Mountain is farther south, its south side gently sloping away and its north side dropping off in a steep ridge, with sweeping views in both directions. (See pgs 118-119 of Birmingham by the Book for more information about Shades Mountain development.)

Aerial view of a lush green landscape featuring two historic houses, surrounded by trees, with a city skyline in the background under a blue sky with clouds.
Redmont Mansions on Red Mountain

Before federal regulations controlled the pollution from the steel mills, this basin-like topography trapped smoky air over the city, prompting many residents to seek cleaner air “over the mountain.” Over time, prosperous early residential neighborhoods in the city were gradually abandoned for suburban “over the mountain” communities, including Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Bluff Park, and Hoover.

Sunset over a valley with a fence in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.
Views from Bluff Park

Bluff Park offered the added attraction of chalybeate spring waters and cooling breezes, which drew summer visitors to cabins and even a hotel as early as the 1850s. Neighboring Vestavia boasted spectacular views across Shades Valley and became well known as the home of Birmingham’s former mayor, George Ward.

Beginning in 1926, Mayor Ward chose not to live in the city proper and instead developed a 20-acre estate and botanical garden atop Shades Mountain. He modeled his home on the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, Italy, and the road leading to his residence was commonly called Vesta Via. As the area grew up around him, it ultimately gave rise to the community name of Vestavia Hills. Although Ward’s residence was demolished in 1971, his 88-ton Roman temple was preserved and moved to a nearby mountainside park.

Annual Gathering, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Heritage Society, Historic Preservation, Membership

Reminder: Heritage Society Gathering

Heritage Society members, thank you for your support! Don’t forget that this Sunday, May 7th at 5:00 PM is the annual gathering. You should have received an invitation via USPS and this is an RSVP event. Any last minute responses should be directed to BHS Director Marjorie White.

Drawing for invitation by BHS Heritage Society member, Louise McPhillips

Missed this event but want to join for next year? More information is available HERE. See you Sunday!

Altamont, Birmingham Historical Society, Red Mountain

Altamont – A Portion of Red Mountain and its Park

Long time residents of Birmingham know that the Altamont ridge has one of the best views in the city, a forested overlook perched 400 feet above Jones Valley.

But did you know that Boston architect, George H. Miller, originally created a plan for the Altamont ridge in 1911, specifically providing for both public and private forested views? In fact, the guiding principal, reiterated in an interview by City Forester Hugh Sloss in 1931, was that:

“Altamont Park was intended to remain a natural, forested green space, enhanced only by selective cleaning and pruning. It was conceived as a neighborhood park, whereas Altamont Road, one link in an imagined longer parkway, was meant for the enjoyment of all of Birmingham’s citizens and visitors. Furthermore, preserving as much vegetation as possible on the north face of Red Mountain allows the City of Birmingham to retain its most notable and defining natural feature.”

Read the entire history in Birmingham Historical Society’s latest publication, Altamont – A Portion of Red Mountain and Its Park. Or click image below to order a copy.