Perched high up on Mount Chandler, a region of the Appalachian foothills, is an area known as Horse Pens 40. Here, located among Alabama's Blount Mountain Range, is a natural wonderland of curious sandstone rock formations, strewn across the mountain top. A natural amphitheater was found in a section of the park. The acoustic qualities of this outdoor setting set a stage for southern gospel, bluegrass and country music concerts. A long list of entertainers have thrilled the crowds at Steele's Horse Pens 40, including EmmyLou Harris, Charley Daniels and Bill Monroe.
The unusual name of Horse Pens 40 dates back to the early 1900s when three 40 acre land tracts were claimed by the young Hyatt couple. Early history had shown that inhabitants used this area as a corral, leading to the 40 acre plot to be named Horse Pens 40. The Creek and Cherokee tribes were the last Native Americans utilizing the Horse Pens area. These natives were forced onto western reservations, clearing the way for white settlers.