Anniston

Anniston is a county seat in Calhoun County, Alabama, located at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains with residential neighborhoods and former industrial zones. The downtown area spreads across several blocks with government offices, parks, and museum facilities set between wooded hills and flatter sections.

The Woodstock Iron Company founded the settlement in 1872 as an iron production site, with Samuel Noble and Daniel Tyler leading the project. Later, the economy shifted toward military activities and munitions management, which shaped the place well into the 20th century.

The Berman Museum of World History displays military artifacts and personal collections from several centuries, while the natural history museum includes fossils and African wildlife specimens. Visitors walk through halls with rotating exhibits that offer insight into different eras and continents.

The Ken Joiner Administration Building on Noble Street houses municipal services for residents and county administrative tasks. Visitors will find public information and service offices on the ground floor during standard weekday office hours.

Fort McClellan served as an Army training center for decades before closing, while the Anniston Army Depot continues to handle storage and disposal of chemical munitions. Both facilities shaped the local economy and still employ workers from the area today.