50 Things to Know about Alabama

Capitol Building, Mongomery, Alabama photo by Carol M. Highsmith-Wikimedia Commons.

50 Things to Know about Alabama

In the southeast region of the United States is the state of Alabama. It shares borders with Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida to the south, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Alabama, however, is frequently overlooked when compared to other more well-known US tourism destinations or to cities with larger populations.

The natural beauty, varied history, and wealth of outdoor activities in Alabama are just a few of the things you should know about the state. These are 50 things you might not know about Alabama:

1. Rosa Parks first started the US civil rights movement in Alabama

Landscape Photography of Brown Wooden House on Forest Near River photo by Pixabay-Pexels.

Montgomery adopted a law requiring the racial segregation of bus passengers in 1900.

Although the rule specified that passengers were not required to move for other persons if the other seats were taken, bus riders soon started enforcing the practice of forcing black passengers to move to the back if there were no seats reserved for white people.

They forbade black people from sitting in the same row as white people and ordered the latter to give up their seats to the former. Black passengers would be forced to stand up or get off the bus if there were any more white passengers and there were no seats available.

However, Rosa Parks fought for her rights and refused to accept this wrongdoing. On December 1, 1955, at around 6 o’clock, Rosa Parks resisted giving up her seat to a white man even though the other three people in her row did.

Parks wasn’t breaking any laws, but she was nevertheless detained for it. She challenged the courts with this simple act, which ignited the civil rights movement. Since then, Rosa Parks has been referred to by the US Congress as “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement.”

2. The name Alabama means “tribal town”

Red Building With Clock Tower photo by Pixabay-Pexels.

 Some of the Native Americans who originally lived in Alabama are the source of the state’s name.

Those who lived alongside what is now known as the Alabama River were known as the Alabamas or Alibamons.

The word Alabama roughly translates to “tribe town” in the language of the Alabamas. So, while choosing a name for the state, the word was a no-brainer.

3. The first open heart surgery in the western hemisphere happened in Alabama

Red and White Painted Building photo by Pixabay-Pexels.

The first successful open-heart procedure in the entire western hemisphere was carried out by Luther Leonidas Hill on September 15th, 1902 in Montgomery, Alabama.

A teenage guy who had a stab wound to his heart underwent surgery by Dr. Hill.    Many local doctors attempted to halt the boy’s heart bleeding, but they were unsuccessful.

The boy’s mother gave her consent so that Dr. Hill, who was already a skilled surgeon at the time, could try to operate on his beating heart.

In a procedure that took about 45 minutes, he cut up the boy’s chest and sutured his wounds. The medical community recognized Dr. Hill’s technique as a medical breakthrough after Myrick made a full recovery.

4. It’s a well-known state for civil aviation schools 

Building in City Against Sky photo by Pixabay-Pexels.

In any US state, you can obtain a pilot’s license. Even more than 100 schools exist in some states that instruct future pilots on how to operate an aircraft.

To seek this qualification, Alabama is one of the most preferred states. The aviation programs in Alabama are regarded as some of the best in the nation. So, it is advised that Alabama is the place to pursue your ambition of becoming a pilot.

5. The state’s official motto is “audemus jura nostra defendere“

Back View of Students Walking in a Campus photo by George Pak-Pexels.

Alabama’s residents are proud of where they live. The state’s ethos of preserving citizens’ independence contributes to some of that love.

The Latin phrase “we dare to defend our right “audemus jura nostra defender”that serves as the state’s official motto only makes sense in light of this.

This slogan can be seen on official government structures and anywhere you see the state’s official coat of arms.

6. The world’s oldest chicken is from Alabama

Steel Gate of Brown Brick Building photo by Pixabay-Pexels.

The world’s oldest chicken once resided in Bessemer, Alabama, which is one of the lesser-known Alabama facts. Matilda the hen outlived all others, living to the age of 16 when the majority of chickens only survive for five to ten years.

She consequently obtained the title of World’s Oldest Living Chicken from Guinness World Records in 2004, following contact with them Keith and Donna Barton, who verified her age.

When Matilda received the title, she was 14 years old. While she never produced eggs, Matilda enjoyed a long and fulfilling life until her death from heart disease in 2006.

 7. The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is in Alabama

Waterfall Near Green Trees photo by Pixabay-Pexels.

 Maybe the first things that come to mind when you think about NASA are the facilities in Florida and Texas.

Yet, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, also houses a significant NASA branch. Nothing will be launched from the Marshall Space Flight Center that you can see.

It is a research center instead. Here, scientists figure out how to launch rockets and where they should land.

8.  The state has a lot of underground caves

Although there are more than 4000 caves in the state, some of the most fascinating ones can be easily explored by tourists. Russell Cave is among the most well-known caverns.

Visitors cannot enter the inside of the cave system since it is gated off to preserve the rocks and environment. To understand more about the Russell Cave system, there is a national monument and a museum.

The Alabama cave systems display the region’s geological history and date back millions of years. These caverns are well-preserved and haven’t seen ice damage like some northern caves have because of the state’s climate.

9. The state has a water mail route

Alabama is one of the few states in the US with a water postal route, which is an intriguing fact about the state.

Several residents in Magnolia Springs reside near the water and lack convenient access to a road. The town’s postal workers use boats to carry packages to residents’ mailboxes.

Despite the fact that there are beachfront properties everywhere in the US, most of them do not have a water supply line like Magnolia Springs. Because of its cooler climate, Magnolia Springs offers water delivery services all year long.

10. Alabama has the world’s largest office chair

The Anniston Miller’s Office Supplies store wanted to construct something substantial in order to attract attention.

So they created the biggest office chair in the world. The statue was formally recognized as a Guinness World Record breaker in 1982.

The chair has had occasional periods of neglect over its history, but its recent popularity as a roadside attraction has redoubled efforts to keep it in good condition.

11. The state has no official state nickname

Due to its successful cotton production, Alabama has the nicknames “The Cotton State” and “The Cotton Plantation State.”

The state’s culture and economic development were primarily reliant on cotton cultivation because it was located in the heart of the Cotton Belt. Alabama still tops the US in terms of cotton production.

People often refer to Alabama as the “Heart of Dixie,” which is one of the more well-known facts about Alabama. This nickname, which first appeared during the American Civil War, is inscribed on Alabama license plates.

The state’s prominent place in the history of the southern states is highlighted by the nickname “Heart of Dixie.” Additionally Alabama’s unofficial but well-known nickname, “Yellowhammer State,” dates back to the Civil War and is still used today.

This nickname was given to it because a company of Alabaman soldiers wore uniforms with yellow fabric edging. Because the state bird had yellow feathers underneath its wings and tail, other troops would refer to them as “yellowhammers.”

12. The French were the first Europeans to settle in Alabama

Spanish explorers are said to have arrived in Mobile Bay for the first time in 1519, according to historical traditions, although they were not the first Europeans to settle permanently in the region.

Hernando de Soto and the other explorers were mainly concerned with acquiring gold so they could travel to the Pacific coast and then leave the area for a short time.

Nonetheless, it was not until the French arrived that the first permanent European colonies were first noted.

The French constructed a fort in Old Mobile in 1702 that could accommodate 350 people up until floods forced them to evacuate to what is now known as Mobile, Alabama, in 1711.

13. The state has the largest cast iron statue that stands in Birmingham, Alabama

Along with having a thriving agricultural sector, the cotton state is also well-endowed with the raw minerals and metals needed to produce goods made of iron and steel.

In particular, Birmingham, Alabama, is the nation’s industrial hub for mining and steel production, earning it the nickname “steel city.” The thriving steel and iron industries of Birmingham are also commemorated with a significant monument.

The city erected a huge statue of Vulcan, the Roman deity of fire and smithing. The statue was constructed in 1904 and is the tallest cast iron statue in the world, at an astounding 56 feet. The Vulcan statue in Birmingham is around the size of ten adult elephants and weighs over 120,000 lbs!

14. Bear wrestling used to be legal in Alabama

The fact that people in Alabama once made an absurd sport out of wrestling trained bears is one of the strangest things about the state. This practice’s extreme popularity raised a number of concerns regarding animal abuse and cruelty.

Terrible Ted, a huge black bear is a well-known animal that participates in bear wrestling contests however the owner had his fangs and claws removed and had his neck shackled in chains.

Terrible Ted fought bears in an Alabama bar from the 1980s through 1996. In 1996, the state senate voted to outlaw bear wrestling in response to the protests of countless animal rights activists.

The law forbade any form of bear wrestling as well as the exploitation of bears for financial gain. Bear wrestling was elevated to a Class B felony in the state, the same classification as crimes like manslaughter and the use of lethal force.

Although legislators repealed the ban in 2015 in an effort to do away with antiquated rules, however the practice is still prohibited by other laws pertaining to animal cruelty and exploitation.

15. The state’s constitution is the longest constitution in the US

The state constitution of Alabama is the longest and most often modified in the United States, with more than 300,000 words.

It dwarfs the Texas constitution, which has 86,936 words and is the second-longest state constitution. The state constitution of Alabama is 44 times longer than the US Constitution.

This constitution covers a wide range of topics, including taxes on bingo, boll weevils, and even mosquito control.

16. Nasa designed the rocket used in Apollo 11 mission in Alabama

The safe journey to and from the moon by the crew of Apollo 11 in 1969 is considered one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Yet NASA’s potent Saturn V rocket is what made the Apollo crew’s mission possible.

Developed in Huntsville, Alabama, by Wernher von Braun and his team, Saturn V made its first test flight in 1967. The city is home to George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and earned the nickname “Rocket City”.

The city is home to George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and earned the nickname “Rocket City.” intrestingly the “rocket capital of the world” is another nickname for Huntsville.

17. Alabama is home to one of the smallest museums

One of the tiniest museums in the world is located in this state. This is one of the Alabama facts that bookworms and museum enthusiasts will be delighted to learn about.

Alabama is home to one of the tiniest museums in the entire world, which honors Edgar Allan Poe. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a tiny high school closet contains Edgar’s Closet, which only occupies 22 square feet of space. More than 2000 Poe-related objects can be found there.

18. Windshield wipers originated in Alabama

Mary Elizabeth Anderson, a citizen of Alabama, traveled to New York during the winter of 1903. Anderson saw while riding a trolley that the driver had to exit the car to wipe the sleet off so he could see the road ahead.

When she eventually made it back to Alabama, she obtained the aid of a designer and a local company to create the first functional version of windshield wipers. In 1903, she was granted a patent for her creation.

The mechanical windshield wipers became a regular feature for street automobiles a decade later.

19. Confederates in Alabama constructed the first submarine to sink an enemy warship

The first combat submarine to ever sink an adversary battleship was the H. L. Hunley. In 1863, Confederates finished building it near Mobile, Alabama.

James McClintock developed the submarine from 1863 to 1864 when the Civil War was still going on. The submarine is named for Horace L. Hunley, who provided the majority of the funding for its development.

Five crew members perished when the submarine sank during a test run by the Confederates. It was manned by eight people on its second mission, but sadly it sank once more, killing the whole crew.

On February 17, 1864, it successfully sunk the Union vessel USS Housatonic. Unfortunately, during the attack, it sustained serious damages and sank once more, killing all of the crew members. In all, the sinking’s of the submarine cost the confederates 21 men.

20. There’s an actual place called Sweet Home, Alabama

This is one of the Alabama facts you can’t miss if you are familiar with the hit song Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

In the Alabama town of Bessemer, Henry W. Sweet had a house built in the Queen Anne and Neoclassical styles. The house was dubbed “Sweet Home, Alabama.”

In 1974, Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote the popular song of the same name, which helped the house gain notoriety. It was designated a historic landmark by the Alabama Historical Association in 2006.

21. Alabama was actually the first state to hold a Mardi Gras celebration

The term “Mardi Gras” refers to activities associated with the Carnival celebration that start on or after the Christian feast of the Epiphany and last on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

French meaning “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras refers to the custom of eating fatty, rich dishes on the last night before the traditional sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.

Although many people link the Mardi Gras festival with the city of New Orleans, it was actually founded in Alabama. A year after the French founded the city of Mobile, Alabama, the celebration was held there.

This occurred around 15 years before New Orleans was established. Moon pies are still thrown and festivities are still part of Mardi Gras in Mobile.

22. There used to be wooden roads all over the state

Alabama once had plank roads in several areas before there were railroads. The first plank road was constructed in the US by Daniel Pratt in 1849.

The Alabama River was reached after passing through Pratt Cotton Gin. Due to the ability to travel on roads even in wet conditions, the wooden plank road system soon gained popularity.

It was moreover affordable and easily accessible. But, five years after its rise to fame, it lost its attraction with the development of railroads.

23. The first confirmed meteorite injury occurred in Alabama

The jazz song Stars Fell On Alabama acknowledges the long history of meteor showers in Alabama. Yet, there is just one documented instance of a meteorite injury to a human being.

Ann Hodges, a citizen of Alabama, sustained a bruise on her thigh after being hit by a meteorite in 1954. Hodges was sound asleep when the meteorite crashed through the roof, hit her radio, and then ricocheted to her.

She remains the only person known to have been struck by a meteorite in recorded history. The meteorite that struck her is now often referred to as the Hodges meteorite.

24. The state was home to enormous sloths

Sloths are little, cuddly creatures with the reputation of being the most slowly moving mammal on the planet.

Their forebears, on the other hand, were massive, powerful beings that could reach heights of up to 9 feet and weighed more than two tons.

Unfortunately, these enormous sloths perished during the Ice Age in what is now Alabama.

Megalonyx jeffersonii and Paramylodon harlani, two different species of giant ground sloths, have fossils that have been discovered in Alabama to date by archaeologists.

25. Alabama once experienced eel rain

The most memorable Alabaman facts are among the oddest. Although Alabama has had meteor showers in the past, they are not the only ones that merit mention.

A strange occurrence in the Alabama town of Coalburg was reported in the New York Sun in May 1892.

Farmers caught the many eels that fell to fertilize their fields as they fell from the sky.

The bizarre occurrence might have been caused by a waterspout that lifted the eels and dumped them on the town.

26. In Alabama, you can’t dress up as a religious minister for Halloween

Alabama takes religion very seriously because it is the most religious state. In this state, it is against the law to appear in public as a priest, nun, or other religious leader in costume.

It is recommended that you choose your Halloween costume wisely since dressing up as a religious priest might result in you spending up to a year in jail or paying a $500 fine.

27. The first 911 call in the US was made in Alabama

The first 911 call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama, by Speaker of the House Rankin Fite on February 16th, 1968.

Fite called the neighborhood police station to speak with US Representative Tom Bevill. This Haleyville 911 system is still in use today and is provided by Alabama Telephone Company.

28. Over 70% of Alabama is covered in forests

Alabama contains four distinct forests that are distributed over the state’s topography. They include the Conecuh, Talladega, Tuskegee, and William B. Bankhead National Forests.

They occupy around 667,000 acres of land in the state in total. With 70.57% of the state being covered with timberland, Alabama is ranked 7th among the states with the highest percentage of forest cover.

29. Many places in Alabama have names of Native American origin

Native Americans have lived in what is now Alabama for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans on American territory.

Alabama was previously home to several Native American tribes, including the Alibamu, Koasati, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Muscogee.

Several place names in the state of Alabama reflect the Native Americans’ rich history and culture in addition to the fact that the state’s name is of Native American origin.

A select few place names, including Autauga County, Choctaw County, Cahaba, Mobile, and Sipsey River, have Native American origins.

30. Alabama was once a major producer of watercress

Watercress, a leafy green used in salads, was previously widely produced in Alabama.

Watercress was a valuable item in Alabama until the middle of the 20th century, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. According to the Wikipedia entry, Huntsville was referred to as the Watercress Capital of the World.

The watercress industry was headquartered in Madison County. “More than 2 million bunches of watercress were cultivated and collected in the region between the early 20th century and the 1960s, more than any other source in the US. Madison County still produces watercress now, albeit on a considerably smaller scale.”

31. The first electric streetcar system was in Alabama

Did you know that Alabama was home to the first electric trolley in history? It first opened in Montgomery in 1886.

People were able to reduce their reliance on horses thanks to the trolley. Long distance travel with horses and carriages continued to be common but commuting within the city improved.

32. The state tree is the southern longleaf pine

Not every state uses a tree as one of its official symbols. Alabama, however, does. The Alabama Congress was the first to name a state tree in the 1940s.

The tree was classified as a southern pine tree at the time. Later, it was determined that this was the southern longleaf pine that once covered a large portion of Alabama.

33. “Sweet Home Alabama” was adopted as an unofficial state anthem

The song “Sweet Home Alabama” has probably been played in your life at some point. Although it isn’t recognized as the state anthem, it has evolved into a symbol of the state.

The song’s past is fascinating. It was intended to demonstrate Alabama state pride at a period when some people were embarrassed to identify as Southerners.

34. Alabama is incredibly biodiverse

The entire year is warm and muggy in Alabama. But, it’s a fantastic breeding habitat for many other species, meaning that creatures that favor cold weather won’t feel at home here.

It also features a diverse landscape that has enabled many species to develop over time and set themselves apart. The state is one of the most biodiverse places in the nation with over 4500 different living species living there in total.

35. Helen Keller was born in Alabama

In American history, Helen Keller was a significant female figure. She was healthy when she was born in Alabama, but when she was a baby; she contracted scarlet fever, which left her blind and deaf.

She developed her communication skills via study and hard effort. She later promoted topics that were dear to her heart, such as women’s rights and the rights of those with disabilities.

36. The red hills salamander is the state amphibian

Alabama has an official state amphibian, which is one among the state’s most intriguing facts. One of the official symbols of the state is the red hills salamander.

A petition to designate this little creature as the state’s official amphibian was begun in 2000 by an elementary school student. The success of this petition highlighted the need for more wild habitats for the species.

37. Alabama has 40 Native American tribes

When European settlers arrived, Alabama, like every other US state, was inhabited by Native American tribes.

There were 40 distinct tribes there when colonists first set foot in what would become Alabama.

Over time, several of these tribes vanished were transferred forcefully or were combined. Interestingly only four tribes are now officially recognized in the state.

38. In the 20th century, Alabama experienced financial hardship

Alabama is renowned today for its contributions across numerous industries. Nonetheless, agriculture was the state’s main source of income during the 20th century.

Because of this, farmers in the state of Alabama were struck particularly hard when the Great Depression began.

These challenges persisted during World War II as many men were called to active duty and had to abandon their farms.

39. A well-known politician from Alabama is Rankin Fite

The name Rankin Fite may be well-known to those who have a keen interest in politics and civic history.

While never venturing into more general politics, he was a significant player in the state’s politics.

He spent 24 years as a representative in the Alabama State House of Representatives. He also held the office of speaker of the house two times during this time.

40. Montgomery was home to F. Scott Fitzgerald

Zelda, his wife, and F. Scott Fitzgerald traveled widely throughout their lives. New York, Minnesota, and even Paris were among the places they visited.

The pair’s brief residence in Montgomery is therefore not a surprise. The house where the couple resided is still there.

However, it is now a state historic site and museum dedicated to the famous author.                                                                  

41. “Alabama Crimson Tide” is the name of the university’s varsity sports team

Every state is proud of its collegiate athletic teams. But, by referring to the university sports team as the Alabama Crimson Tide, Alabama raises the bar for state pride.

This nickname was adopted in 1907 after a lengthy string of unsuccessful attempts. The athletes’ dedication and spirit of competition are symbolized by the tide, which is the primary color of the University of Alabama.

42. Alabama has a large population of snails

Snails prefer humid conditions. They cannot thrive in arid areas, and their bodies are not designed for frigid temperatures.

Because Alabama has the ideal combination of humidity and temperature, it is the ideal location for snail species to flourish.

The state is also among the most biodiverse in the nation, as you’ve previously seen. In fact, Alabama is home to more than 200 different kinds of freshwater snails.

43. 1500 miles of inland waterways go across Alabama

The largest number of waterways in the US is in Alabama. There are more than 1500 miles of navigable canals for boats in addition to countless kilometers of smaller streams.

It boasts the most of this kind of river in the whole nation. The canal network in Alabama is so large that it may be used to travel by water all the way up to the Great Lakes in the northern US.

44. Dominoes are not permitted on Sunday

The ridiculous laws that have been passed throughout the years must undoubtedly be included in the list of funny things about Alabama.

According to one of these laws, dominoes are prohibited on Sundays. According to the state’s 2015 evaluation of its outdated legislation, it is probable that this statute has been repealed.

Officers are unlikely to enforce this specific statute, though, if it is still in place.

45. Conecuh Ridge Whiskey is the state beverage

Whiskey made in Alabama is well-known throughout the nation. Yet, a little-known truth is that Conecuh Ridge Whiskey, the state liquor, is the source of Alabama-style whiskey.

Although prohibited for most of the 20th century, this whiskey’s appeal was unaffected. Since it was finally legal, whiskey has only grown in popularity; in 2004, it was formally designated as a state emblem.

46. There are several natural resources in Alabama

Alabama is one of the US states with the most natural resources due to its geography and climate. Among them are resources like iron, limestone, seafood, and oil.

Over the years, these factors have fueled the state’s economy and progress. Also, they have assisted in making the state a Southern agricultural refuge.

47. It is located on the Gulf Coast

Although Alabama may not come to mind when you think of the shore, however, it does border the Gulf Coast and has a well-known state park, Gulf State Park, which looks out for the beaches along this section of the coast.

Its seaside position contributes to the region’s humid and mild climate. Although the state’s interior terrain differs greatly from its coastal regions, it is also one of the factors contributing to the state’s biodiversity.

48. The state stone of Alabama is star blue quartz

The state gemstone of Alabama is probably one of the facts and information you’ll find online. Although a common gem, star blue quartz is nonetheless admired by many people.

The gem is widely distributed throughout Alabama, earning it the distinction of being the state gemstone. As it is so widely distributed, it is also a reasonably priced gemstone. It is utilized in artwork and mementos all around the state.

49. There are around 5 million people living there

Alabama may have hosted several significant historical occurrences, but this hasn’t resulted in a much higher population.

Over 5 million people live in Alabama as of today. It is the country’s 24th most populous state.

Due to the numerous employments, Huntsville is the city with the most residents. There are a little over 220,000 people living there.

50.  There is a school that George Washington Carver started

George Washington Carver was a significant figure in agricultural and botanical research. He contributed to the creation of goods derived from the Southern regions’ simple-to-grow crops, peanuts, and soybeans.

Although dedicating his life to research, he was also deeply committed to advancing education. He established Tuskegee University to aid in the education of aspiring agricultural engineers.