Veterans Memorial Park

History and Purpose

Veterans Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a one-acre site dedicated to honoring veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The park was developed as a tribute to all veterans and to commemorate the Northington General Army Hospital, which was one of the largest military hospitals in the world at the end of World War II.

The park's history dates back to 1978 when it was first dedicated as a memorial for veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. In 1997, the park underwent a rededication ceremony, and in 2002, it hosted a reunion for surviving crew members of the USS Tuscaloosa and USS Wichita.

Annual Remembrance

Since 2003, the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park Association has been presenting an annual Memorial Day service to honor those who sacrificed for the country's freedom. The park serves as an important patriotic reminder for current and future generations.

Located on McFarland Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the park sits on the site of the former Northington General Army Hospital's chapel. The development of the park has been largely supported by private sector donations, including over $250,000 of in-kind construction.

Military Displays

The centerpiece of the park is the mast of the heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa, which fought in crucial World War II campaigns. Near the mast, visitors can see one of the ship's five-inch guns, used for anti-aircraft defense and in-shore bombardment.

Other military equipment on display includes an M60 medium tank, introduced in 1960, and an iconic Willys MB Jeep, which played a crucial role in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. The oldest piece in the park is a 75-millimeter French gun from World War I.

Educational Features

The park also includes numerous interpretive and educational markers, providing visitors with information about the displayed equipment and the conflicts in which they were used.