The Old Railroad Bridge Co., Inc.

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ORBC Small Amphitheater Nature and Educational Area

10/05/2015 by Staff

Pathway down to Amphitheater

Something new has been added to the area surrounding the Old Railroad Bridge(ORBC) – a small amphitheater.  It is located just upstream of the bridge on the edge of the TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation.  You can reach this amphitheater by a gravel walkway leading down the river bank for about one hundred feet.  It is about seventy five feet from the river bank against a natural bluff and cove, shaded by large trees.  There you will find six timber benches with stone bases that can seat thirty five people.  From here visitors can learn about the local environment, conservation, and wildlife and will be encouraged to see and value the world around them.  They can explore a part of the community they might otherwise not know existed so near to home.

This area presents a unique opportunity to provide experiences along nature trails, natural habitats and river scenery.  People of all ages will experience an atmosphere of discovery and stewardship of our natural world.  Whether you are a teacher with a group of students, scout troops on a hike, or just someone who enjoys getting in touch with nature, this amphitheater is the place for you.  From here you can connect with the fourteen miles of hiking/walking trails.  The Old Railroad Bridge paved trails are connected to the paved bike trail along Ashe Blvd., and to trails in Sheffield.  Future plans for the Shoals area calls for the extension of trails on to Patton Island through the MPO bike trail system.

Amphitheater seating and podium

According to TVA studies, found on the reservation and around the amphitheater are 103 varieties of trees and shrubs, seventy varieties of herbaceous plants, fifty nine types of birds and over fifty species of fish and mussels. The site also presents an opportunity to review the history of the Shoals.  The Old Railroad Bridge has been an integral part of local history since 1832 providing transportation by train and automobile.  The setting would allow discussions of types of boats that have traveled the river, the canal and its history of getting around the shoals in the river, Wilson Dam, flood control and power production.

The area is designed to serve a broad audience for school groups to adults and families for a number of special events.  Nature areas like this are important for every community and they provide a way to teach children to learn, appreciate, and take care of nature in a fun and engaging environment.

Amphitheater and Podium

Whatever your interest or fitness level, there is much here for those in the Shoals area.  You will find a peaceful place to have lunch, go bird watching, observe nature, walk your dog or go jogging.  The ORB and amphitheater is here for public use and enjoyment, for leisure and learning.  We want everyone to know what a great resource is available to them.

By:  James Bedsole, Board Secretary, Old Railroad Bridge Co., Inc.

Filed Under: amphitheater, Latest Updates, Press Room

The Old Railroad Bridge Lighting Project

06/17/2014 by Staff

Media Release:

The Old Railroad Bridge Company’s (ORBC) Board of Directors recently announced the beginning of the long awaited lighting of the historic 1,600 foot bridge structure. The Old Railroad Bridge was originally constructed in 1840 for wagon traffic and was modified in 1858 to handle rail traffic.  The ORBC obtained the structure from Norfolk-Southern Railroad in 1993 and as the primary care-takers has worked diligently to maintain, restore and improve The Old Railroad Bridge

Today it is used primarily for walking, enjoying the view of the Tennessee River and the river traffic as well as its connection with the fourteen miles of walking trails on the adjoining TVA Reservation.  With the addition of the lighting, people who want to visit the bridge later in the evening will be able to walk and enjoy the bridge until its closing at 10:00 PM.

The lighting will also enable the police to have full visibility of the entire length of The Old Railroad Bridge when on regular patrols.  This will discourage activity at night such as painting of graffiti and other acts of vandalism.  The lighting will be low keyed and will not distract from the enjoyment of walking on The Old Railroad Bridge.

Construction is expected to continue for the next four to six weeks but will not normally interfere with visitors, however, some sections may be closed from time to time for public safety.  The ORBC would like to thank everyone who has donated time and money that has allowed the project to begin.  Major contributors include:  CBS Bank, First Metro Bank, N.W.ALRC&D Council, BVI, Southwire Corporation, TVA Surplus, Mayco Electric Supply and Garnet Electric Company.

During phase one, electrical lines and audio/video cables are being install to furnish power for phase two of the project which is to install security cameras and a sound system thus aiding in the safety, security and enjoyment of The Old Railroad Bridge guests

Phase two will add security cameras and additional lighting.  Anyone wishing to contribute to this can mail donations to ORBC, P.O. Box 727, Florence, AL 35630 or through PayPal on our website where additional information and the bridge history can be found as well.  If you have any questions or concerns, please use the “Contact Us” form on the website.  Our website can be found at www.oldrailroadbridge.org.

ORBC is a 501-3C organization meaning that your donation is tax deductible.

Filed Under: Latest Updates, Press Room Tagged With: Alabama, Colbert, Florence, Lauderdale, Lighting Project

From the Press Room

  • Sunset Yoga Now Twice Weekly
  • Sheridan’s Formula for Success
  • Old Railroad Bridge Maintenance Work
  • ORBC Small Amphitheater Nature and Educational Area
  • ORBC Shareholders

Lighting Project for Bridge

LIGHT THE BRIDGE - YOUR DONATION COUNTS
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Google Map

Get Directions to The ORBC Parking Lot View Larger Map

Train Wreck in 1892 When Bridge Collapsed

Sheffield, Alabama, May 9, 1892 AT LAST A SHAME, AN OUTRAGE AND A CRIME Death Rides upon the Rails and Ends the Travesty of a Bridge across the River at Florence  ERECT AN ENTIRE NEW ONE! In the forenoon of Friday, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and … [Read More...]

Other Area Attactions

  1. Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area
  2. Rosenbaum House - Frank Lloyd Wright
  3. TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation
  4. Wilson Dam & Lock

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