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Since October 31, 2008, I have rarely driven on any part of Interstate 85 between Auburn and Montgomery. I can think of few things that make me more ill than that stretch of pavement. Instead, when I need to go to Montgomery, I take back roads, such as Alabama Road 14 through Loachapoka, Notasulga, Tallassee and Wetumpka. It’s a beautiful drive, and I get to stop occassionally and meet people, take pictures, etc. Here’s some pics I took last week of the Thurlow Dam, Textile Mill and Confederate Armory in Tallassee. A very nice gentleman from the Talisi Historical Preservation Society unlocked the gate and gave me a personal tour. I regret I didn’t jot down his name, but he told me he grew up in the house on the hill across the street, his father having worked at the mill, and that his playground as a kid was mill property.

Lake Thurlow was impounded in 1930. Thurlow Dam was built in Tallassee at the site of an early 19th century textile mill that was used during the Civil War as a uniform and ammunition plant. The Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge spans the river immediately south of Thurlow Dam. When the Confederacy feared security of Richmond, VA, the decision was made to relocate Richmond Carbine to the old 1844 cotton mill in Tallassee. The Tallassee Confederate Armory is the only Confederate armory to survive Civil War.

The Mill is in danger of being destroyed.