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Sidney Word Lee
(1864-1944)

Founder of Buffalo Rock Company (1901) in Birmingham and creator of Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale, a medicinal tonic first used in the Civil War. Lee's vision and influential support inspired the construction of this road across Double Oak Mountain connecting Coosa Valley to more developed land in the Cahaba Valley.

Work began on Highway 25 in 1914 and was completed in 1921. At the time no other roads existed on the mountain and early settlers called the path the Winding Stair Trail. Highway 25 provided access to Lee's 3000-acre camp in Calcis-an area Lee claimed to be the most beautiful in the world. He often brought friends and family to vacation here and local denizens reported his many visits included gifts of fruit and candy for the children of the region.

Alabama Historical Association 2011.

Alabama Highway 25 atop Double Oak Mountain between Vandiver and Dunnavant communities in Shelby County, Alabama. (TC)

Alabama Historical Association's Sidney Word Lee historical marker stands next to Alabama Highway 25 atop Double Oak Mountain between Vandiver and Dunnavant communities in Shelby County, Alabama. (TC)

Delta Airlines jet departing from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport . Seen from 6429 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. (TC) Canon FD 100-200 lens with 2x converter.

Delta Airlines jet departing from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport . Seen from 6429 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. (TC) Canon FD 100-200 lens with 2x converter.

A Delta Airlines jet inbound to the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport . Seen from 6429 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. (TC) Canon FD 100-200 lens with 2x converter.