Altamont Park

Altamont Park is a narrow, steep parcel on the northern slope of Red Mountain below Altamont Road and above 13th Court South between Redmont Road and Cliff Road.

The property was purchased by the city in 1921 from Jemison & Company for $64,000, with the purpose of preserving the view into Jones Valley. A group of eleven residents and real estate agents petitioned against the sale saying the the price was too dear and the steeply sloping property unsuited for park use.

The concept preserving views from a "Red Mountain Parkway" by means of dedicated linear parkland was included in the Olmsted Brothers' report published in 1925 as A Park System for Birmingham.

In later years a sandstone overlook was constructed just off Altamont Road and a World War II-era gun was placed on the site.

References

• "Legal steps are in prospect to stop park deal" (October 25, 1921) Birmingham News - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections