Mountain View
Thriving in Chaos
The Wetumpka Impact Crater, one of Alabama's most unique sites
The crescent-shaped ridge in the central Alabama area, reaching heights of 300 feet above the river plains, may not actually be hills! This nearly five-mile-wide crater is the result of an ancient cosmic event, but due to the passing of millions of years, it is now overgrown and eroded. This phenomenon is known as the Wetumpka Impact Crater.
When Creepy Dolls Invaded an Autuaga County Swamp
In November of 2014, the Autauga County Sheriff's Office discovered 21 dolls in a local swamp on Tuesday morning. Although its unclear why the dolls were placed there, officials assume the motive was more for mischief than malice. The dolls were set up on bamboo stakes in the Bear Creek Swamp close to County Road 3, situated between Prattville and Autaugaville. Most of the dolls were made out of porcelain and seemed to be antiques. Many had their faces and hair covered in a white substance that looked like spray paint.
Museum of Wonder: Seale, AL's Drive-Thru Gallery
The small community of Seale, Alabama has a unique roadside attraction that allows you to stay in your vehicle. Unlike the ordinary drive-thru, it does not serve fast food, there is no ATM and you cannot drop off your laundry. This is the world's first drive-thru gallery that specializes in antiques and art.
Alabama Musicians Brittany Howard & Jason Isbell Join Prestigious Humanities Circle
Renowned figures such as author Harper Lee, comedian W. Kamau Bell, and senators Howell Heflin and Richard Shelby, along with several Pulitzer Prize-winning intellectuals, have been recognized as Alabama Humanities Fellows, the most prestigious accolade in the realm of humanities in the state. In a notable addition to this esteemed group, Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell—two highly influential and accomplished musicians from Alabama in recent times—will now ascend to this distinguished circle of individuals.
Iconic "Big Fish" house in Alabama can be yours
This renowned structure is not intended for those seeking seclusion, but rather for individuals with an appreciation for history, cinema, home renovation shows, and a spectacular view. The sprawling 1874 Victorian, situated on a hill overlooking the city's commercial center, is the most iconic and well-known property in Wetumpka and is currently on the market. According to the real estate agent, this 3,754 square-foot home is ideal for a short-term rental, a wedding venue, or as a "dream residence.". It is listed at a price of $899,000. Locally known as the "Big Fish" house, it was featured as the residence of Edward Bloom (portrayed by Albert Finney) and Sandra Bloom (played by Jessica Lange) in the 2003 film "Big Fish." The movie, which was primarily filmed in South Alabama, was based on the novel "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions" by Birmingham native Daniel Wallace. Along with Finney and Lange, the star-studded cast included Ewan McGregor, Billy Crudup, Helena Bonham Carter, Danny DeVito, and Steve Buscemi.
Alabama's Strange Laws: From Clergy Costumes to No High Heels
Laws are widely recognized as vital for safeguarding our society. However, there are instances where lawmakers appear to be exerting excessive control over individuals' lives, resulting in the creation of bewildering and, at times, nonsensical regulations. Alabama, in particular, has its fair share of weird and funny laws that provide insight into this matter. Despite some of these laws existing solely within the confines of legal literature, without practical enforcement, their existence remains irrefutable. Let us delve into a few examples of these strange laws in Alabama.
The infamous Bass Cemetery, one of the most haunted in Alabama
Bass Cemetery was established over two centuries ago. The first known grave belonged to Revolutionary War veteran Burwell Bass, who passed away in 1831. He served as the cemetery’s namesake. Montezuma Goodwin, a farmer shot and killed by his brother-in-law in 1904, was also buried in Bass Cemetery. The cemetery primarily serves as the resting place for slaves and Civil War soldiers from both armies. When animal remains started turning up more frequently at Bass Cemetery, reports of occult activities increased. One occult member was said to have robbed a body from a coffin. The identities of the spirits haunting Bass Cemetery are unknown. Visitors claim to have heard screams, seen apparitions, felt watched or followed, and have been overcome with an inexplicable easiness while on the cemetery grabs. Paranormal investigators have captured photographs of floating orbs and mysterious mists.
"The Face in the Courthouse Window"; Alabama's Most Prolific Ghost
If there's one thing Alabama has, it's ghost stories and legends, but none are more known than "The Face in the Courthouse Window". This mysterious visage in the old Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton has become a popular tourist destination and is now the hallmark of the city of Carrollton.
Op-Ed: Mother pleas for ‘second chance’ bill
A few days ago, I visited my husband’s grave to honor the second anniversary of his death at the age of 94. Jim was a decorated WWII combat veteran who fought in the Battle of Bulge. His greatest hope before he died was to see our son walk free from the Alabama prison system.
Alabama Prison Inmates' Bodies Returned Missing Organs: Families File Lawsuit
Two families have claimed that the Alabama Department of Corrections failed to return their deceased loved ones' bodies with all their internal organs. One of the deceased, Charles Edward Singleton, was 74 years old and served time at the Hamilton Aged and Infirmed Center in Hamilton, located approximately 90 miles northwest of Birmingham. The prison chaplain informed Singleton's family that the corrections department would handle the funeral arrangements, as stated in an affidavit signed on January 3 by his daughter, Charlene Drake.
Alabama's "Third World" Prisons: Judge Advocates for Effective Reform
In recent months, there have been numerous reports about violence, sexual assault, and dishonesty within Alabama's prison system. Videos recorded on smuggled cellphones have revealed instances of inmate abuse, drug use, and severely overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. Despite the significant amount of money allocated to Alabama's Department of Corrections, activists argue that it is crucial to address the need for substantial changes in the criminal justice system. Despite having one of the highest rates of incarceration in the nation, the aggressive "tough on crime" approach has not effectively reduced crime rates and made communities safer.
Prison Crisis: Another Inmate Fatally Stabbed at Alabama's Limestone - 5 Homicides in 2024
Samuel Ward, a 39-year-old inmate, passed away on Saturday morning at Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest, Alabama. According to reports received by EJI, Mr. Ward was fatally stabbed in his housing dorm.
Hidden Moonshine Cave Discovered Under NASCAR Track
A potential cave used for storing moonshine was recently found beneath the front stretch of grandstands made of concrete at a NASCAR race track in North Carolina, according to reports from WBTV and Gray News. The location of the discovery was North Wilkesboro.
After 168 years, Birmingham Southern College shutting its doors on May 31, 2024
Birmingham-Southern College announced on Tuesday that it will be shutting down on May 31 after a difficult battle to secure a loan from the Alabama legislature. “The Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to close the College after a 2024 bill designed to amend the 2023 legislation that established the loan program on which our future depended failed to win sufficient support in the Alabama House of Representatives. Without that funding, the College does not have the resources to continue,” a letter from the Rev. Keith D. Thompson, the chair of BSC Board of Trustees, states.
USA Today Ranks Huntsville Botanical Garden among Top US Garden
The recent release of USA Today's article titled "Botanical Bliss: Top 10 US Gardens for Plant Lovers" includes Huntsville Botanical Garden as the sixth ranked garden in the country. This recognition comes shortly after Huntsville was recognized by Southern Living as one of the fastest-growing cities in the South.
The Upcoming Huntsville Panoply Art Festival. Will I see you there?
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in anyway with Arts Huntsville and this is in, no way, promotional content. Just a local resident sharing news of a local art festival. The Huntsville Panoply Art Festival, now in its 42nd year, is gearing up to transform downtown Huntsville's Big Spring Park into a vibrant hub of creativity and community from April 26 to 28, 2024. This long-standing event, presented by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, is a cornerstone of the Huntsville art festival scene, inviting attendees from across the nation to revel in a spectrum of artistic expression.
EJI Unveils Montgomery's 17-Acre Freedom Monument Park, opens March 27th
The opening of the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park on March 27 has been announced by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). Spanning 17 acres, the park features a combination of historical relics, modern artwork, original studies, and personal accounts to create an authentic and culturally significant location that delves into the concept of slavery, the experiences of enslaved individuals, and the lasting impact of slavery in the United States.
Furnace Fest reveals first wave of bands for 2024's End of an Era Lineup
Furnace Fest has been building anticipation over the past few months by gradually unveiling the lineup for its 2024 event. Releasing bands in small groups initially, the organizers have labeled this year's edition as "The End of an Era," sparking speculation about what the future holds for the festival. Recently, on Wednesday, March 20th, Furnace Fest dropped a huge chunk of the lineup. Headliners include August Burns Red on day one, Coheed and Cambria on day two, and Underoath on day three.
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