|
Top of Page |
|
Population (1994): 4,219,000
(22nd in size)
State size: 51,718 square miles (29th in
size)
State Capital: Montgomery (named after General
Montgomery a hero in the Revolutionary war)
Major cities: Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile,
Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
Admission to union: The 22nd State
Date entered the union: December 14, 1819
Origin of state name: Named after the Indian tribe the
Alibamu
Nicknames: The Yellowhammer State, Heart of Dixie, and
the Cotton State
Bordering states: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and
Tennessee with Gulf of Mexico on the south
State bird: Wild turkey
State flower: Camellia
State Tree: Southern Pine
Motto: We Dare Defend Our Rights |
|
Top of Page |
| Northern Alabama is heavily
forested with many wilderness areas including national
forests and state parks. In northeastern Alabama are the
Appalachian foothills. This area is mostly rolling hills
with many lakes and rivers. Mount Cheaha, located in the
Talladega National Forest is the highest point in Alabama
at 2,407 feet.
Alabama has many rivers which are
popular for fishing, and some with whitewater rapids
making them popular for rafting and kayaking. Alabama has
many underground caves including DeSoto Caverns in
Childersburg, Sequoyah Caverns in Valley Head, and
Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport. The Rockwood Caverns State Park has 260 million year old
limestone formations and is home to cave dwelling
wildlife. Alabama also has many swamps and wetlands. They
are home to alligators, and many varieties of water birds
and fish.
Southern Alabama touches on the Gulf of Mexico,
providing beaches and recreation areas. |
|
|
Top of Page |
| The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville
was involved in the first race for space.
Exhibits show the past, present and future of space exploration, including
a Mars mission virtual reality adventure.
The Talladega Super Speedway
is the site of NASCAR Winston Cup motor racing events. It
is also home to the International Motor sports Hall of
Fame and Museum.
Alabama has many pre-Civil War mansions open
as tourist attractions. The Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion in Tuscaloosa
has 2,125 rooms.
The restored USS Alabama, a World War II battleship,
is permanently harbored in Mobile Bay as a tourist
attraction. The attraction also includes the USS Drum, a
World War II submarine and military aircraft. |
|
|
Top of Page |
| Manufacturing includes
electronics, iron and steel production, plastics and
paper products. Natural resources include iron, oil, coal
and timber. Agriculture includes chicken, corn, cotton
and peanuts. |
|
|
Top of Page |
Originally home to many Indian tribes, it was first settled by the Spanish in
1540. Later both the French and English settled in the
area.
During the Civil War, the Alabama
State Capital served as the first Confederate government office and still
has the first White House of the Confederacy.
Alabama played a major role in the civil rights
movement. Montgomery, Alabama, is considered the
birthplace of the civil rights movement. |
|
|
Top of Page |
Alabama still maintains its
strong southern traditions. Alabama is a strongly
religious state, with politics and religion playing a
major role in the lives of many residents. |
|
|
Top of Page |
| Alabama has a moderate
climate with mild temperatures. Northern Alabama may get
occasional snow in the winter. Summer temperatures reach
the mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit. |
|
|
Top of Page |
| W.C. Hardy who was known as
the "Father of the Blues" music, and composer
of the Memphis Blues and the St. Louis Blues was born in
Florence, Alabama.
Helen Keller who became famous for
overcoming the limitations of her deafness and blindness
was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
|
|
Ready for a Quiz? Try this!
|
