Alabama Highlands: A Journey Through Nature and Industry, 1937

This silent film from 1937 captures the essence of Alabama's highland regions, showcasing both the industrial might of Birmingham and the natural beauty of its mountains and state parks. The film presents panoramic views of Alabama's landscape, highlighting homes, factories, mines, and railways that define the state's industrial backbone.

It then shifts focus to Alabama's state parks, including Oak Mountain, Weogufka, De Soto, and Cheaha State Parks, where the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) is seen actively improving these natural havens. CCC men are depicted in various activities such as cracking rocks, constructing lodges and roads, operating heavy machinery like bulldozers and dump trucks, and participating in educational sessions on first aid and artificial respiration. This part of the film not only underscores the conservation efforts but also the development of recreational facilities.

The footage includes scenes of tourists enjoying these parks by driving in, picnicking, and wading in streams, illustrating how these areas serve as a retreat from the urban and industrial life depicted earlier in the film. "Alabama Highlands" thus paints a picture of a state balancing its industrial heritage with the preservation and enjoyment of its natural landscapes.