As Alabama’s only American World War II Heritage City—a prestigious National Park Service designation—Foley offers visitors an extraordinary journey through wartime history.
The story begins at the Foley Railroad Museum, where a comprehensive World War II exhibit features rare photographs, authentic military uniforms and period equipment that transport visitors back to the 1940s. Detailed panels showcase daily life at Barin Field, the naval aviation training center that transformed Foley during the conflict. The base’s impact was enormous.
It operated from 1942 through 1947, training 5,795 aviation students in its first 24 months alone. For a town of just 846 residents in 1940, hosting this massive military operation created unprecedented changes. Navy aviators boarded in nearly every available room, but the training came with tragic costs. The facility earned the nickname “Bloody Barin” after 40 aviators died in accidents during the first two years. The museum exhibit honors these fallen servicemen while celebrating the thousands who successfully completed their training and served with distinction overseas.
Foley’s military heritage extends far beyond the museum and throughout the city, too. Heritage Park features a living memorial planted by the Women’s Club of Foley in 1943. The live oak tree, flagpole and stone marker honor those who served. Max Griffin Park houses additional military tributes, including two anti-tank guns acquired from the U.S. Army in 2023.
The city’s commitment to preserving wartime history includes plans for expanded displays featuring historic aircraft. An upcoming exhibit will showcase a 1941 Navy N3N biplane and a T-34B Mentor training aircraft, both representing the types of planes that once filled Foley’s skies during pilot training operations.
Visitors can explore Foley’s remarkable history at no charge, making this an educational experience accessible to all visitors!