United States of America
Alabama
Country
Continent
North America
Best Cities to Visit
- Gulf shores
- Birmingham
- Huntsville
- Mobile
- Montgomery
Size
135,765 KM2
Population
5,030,000
Spending Budget
$800 - $986
Famous For
- Southern Hospitality
- Delicious Food
- College football
Best Time to Visit
- January
- March
- April
- May
- September
- October
- November
History
The land that is today the state of Alabama was originally settled by two groups of Native Americans: the Cherokee and the Muskogee peoples. The Muskogee peoples were organized into clans such as the Bear Clan and the Fox Clan. They lived in small villages in domed-shaped homes with thatched roofs.The Cherokee lived in the northern portion of Alabama. The first European to arrive in the area was Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda in 1519. More Spanish explorers arrived in the early 1500s. The Spanish were only searching for gold, however, and did not settle the land. The first European settlement, Fort Louis, was established by the French in 1702. In 1711, the fort was destroyed by a flood and the location was moved to the current site of Mobile, Alabama.The French and Indian War broke out in 1754 between Britain and France. However, the British won the war and took control in 1763. Alabama once again changed hands after the War of 1812 when it became part of the United States. In 1817, the U.S. Congress created the Alabama Territory with the city of Saint Stephens serving as the first capital.Alabama became the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. The first capital city was Huntsville. The capital later moved to other cities including Cahaba and Tuscaloosa before finally moving permanently to Montgomery in 1846.
Present Day
Alabama is a constituent state of the United States of America, admitted to the union in 1819 as the 22nd state. Alabama forms a roughly rectangular shape on the map, elongated in a north-south direction. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, and Mississippi to the west. Montgomery is the state capital. The state offers much topographical diversity. The rich agricultural valley of the Tennessee River occupies the extreme northern part of the state. In northeastern Alabama the broken terrain of the southwestern fringe of the Appalachian Mountains begins and continues in a southwesterly progression across the northern half of the state. Below that the band of prairie lowland known as the Black Belt has rich soils that once cradled a rural cotton-producing way of life central to the state’s development. Farther south stretch piney woods and then coastal plains until one reaches the moss-draped live oaks of Mobile and the white beaches of the gulf.People have nicknamed Alabama as the “Heart of Dixie” or the “cotton state”.It once had wooden roads. Albertville, Alabama, is the fire hydrant capital of the world. Greater Birmingham is Alabama's largest urban economy, its most populous urban area, and its economic center.The state tree is the longleaf pine, and the state flower is the camellia.
Future
Alabama's economy is humming on all cylinders as a new decade begins, with job rolls swelling to record numbers and an ultra-low unemployment rate as major industries expand their operations in the state.While the foundations are firmly in place for more growth, there are some trends unfolding across Alabama that are poised to add an extra economic spark in years to come.There are dynamic developments taking shape that will elevate Alabama’s growth potential and create exciting new opportunities for citizens throughout the state .Lockheed Martin is making North Alabama its flagship location for work on futuristic hypersonics technologies, which allow weapons to fly at five times the speed of sound or even faster. The company’s plans call for almost 275 new Alabama jobs, including engineers.The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant, now under construction in Huntsville, is already acting as a mothership for suppliers. So far, a total of five Mazda Toyota suppliers have pinpointed sites in North Alabama for production locations that will create almost 1,700 new auto-sector jobs.Alabama workers have begun assembling the nation’s next-generation launch system — the Vulcan Centaur rocket. In Huntsville, Blue Origin is building a $200 million factory to supply engines for the Alabama-made rocket.Alabama’s economic development team is taking concrete steps to help spark growth in the state’s rural areas.
Lookout Mountain
Situated in the north-eastern corner of Alabama, Lookout Mountain is a magnificent mountain-summit attraction for lazing relaxed leisure or an open-air adventure. Right about each adventure sport, you can imagine of is at your disposal in and around Lookout Mountain. It allows a variety of summer sports incorporating hiking, kayaking, rappelling, rock-ascending, and camping with One World Adventure Company. Cultural activities incorporate a wide diversity of participatory classes and seminars and trips to the plenty of galleries and craft stores spotted around Lookout Mountain
Gulf Water Shores
Lying on Alabama’s Southern coastline near the Florida border, Gulf Shores offers a great beach experience with its soft, sugar-white sandy beaches and turquoise Gulf waters. The soothing warm waters, scenic cruises, and dolphin-watching make Gulf Shores a great destination for recreation as well. In this beautiful resort city, there is plenty to do inland, too, like exploring wildlife refuges or experience the dining scene with some of the world’s best oysters, which are grown and sourced locally.
Orange Beach
Located just west from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach is another famous scenic beach destination along the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama. Turquoise-tinted waters lapping into the shores, gentle breezes, and blue skies together with scenic hiking and biking trails make Orange Beach a perfect destination for relaxing and getting some adrenaline at the same time. Just at some more distance in the waters comes Orange Beach Islands, which is a great option for vacation and beach sight-seeing
Mobile
This 300-years old city is one of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast. It’s located on the Mobile River and is Alabama’s only saltwater port. A unique southern experience in its coastal setting is far from the only privilege of the city. Skyline reflection off the bay, cozy and walkable downtown, impressive French architecture, as well as the festive atmosphere combined with the soulful hospitality of the locals together make Mobile one of the best places to visit in Alabama.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is another jewel of the Gulf Coast and is famed for pristine sandy beaches, coastal amenities, a clean environment, and rich history. It is located nearly three miles away from the Mobile Bay and serves mainly as a resort area.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Located in the Southern Appalachians, Little River Canyon National Preserve conserves most of the Little River which flow atop Lookout Mountain. The river is said to have the clearest waters in the South and is one of the longest mountaintop rivers in the country.
Neversink Pit
Neversink Pit is a beautiful natural phenomenon and geological wonder that is not only the most photographed spot in Alabama but is also one of the most photographed sinkholes in the world. It’s an impressive limestone sinkhole with a 40 feet wide pit and the cavity dropping a dramatic 162 feet till its floor. This natural attraction is visited by adventurers and cave explorers, climbers, and hikers from all around the world.
Cathedral Cavern State Park
Alabama’s Cathedral Caverns is declared as a national natural landmark and offers the state’s greatest underground experience. The cavern was originally called Bat Cave but was renamed later because of its cathedral-like appearance.
Civil Rights Memorials of Montgomery
The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery features an exquisite black granite sculpture commemorating those killed during the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The memorial stands in a square next to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, where tourists will find educational displays and exhibits, including the Wall of Tolerance.
US Space And Rocket Center
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is an exciting attraction for all ages, providing exhibits, interactive experiences, presentations, and one of the world's largest collections of spacecraft on display. A Smithsonian affiliate, the center's exhibits provide visitors with information on everything from the history of the space race and NASA's growth since then to the International Space Station and beyond