The endeavor was initially known as the Bibb County Iron Company, with Huckabee providing most of the capital and slave labor for construction.

[3][4] Recognizing the high quality of iron produced at Brierfield, Confederate officials forced the men to sell the ironworks to the government for $600,000 in 1863, renaming it the Bibb Naval Furnace.

This all ended on March 31, 1865, when the Bibb Naval Furnace was destroyed by the 10th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry during Wilson's Raid.

The new company, formed by former Confederates Josiah Gorgas and Francis Strother Lyon, purchased the ironworks site from the Federal government for $45,000 in January 1866.

However, at least partially due to the competition from cut-wire nails out of Pittsburgh, the ironworks finally closed for good in December 1894.

[3] The park features an outdoor amphitheater, hiking, biking and nature trails, campsites, and a swimming pool.