Alabama the BeautifulBy Scott Miller

Why Alabama?Many people outside the Southeastern

United States don’t understand what makes Alabama special. To understand Alabama, it’s best to start with things that live and breath. Visitors will experience plenty of Southern hospitality from Alabama natives, especially when it comes to serving up real downhome cooking. If you’re hungry, come to Alabama for the freshest fruits, vegetables, and fish. People who enjoy the outdoors can experience anything from Mount Cheaha to the Little River Canyon and the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the abundant fish and wildlife.

State Facts

• State abbreviation: AL• Capital: Montgomery• Largest City: Birmingham• Population: 4,557, 808• Residents : Alabamans or

Alabamians

• Alabama comes from the Choctaw Indian word Alibamu, which means “I clear the thicket”

• State motto is “We Dare Defend Our Rights”

• Two nicknames: – Heart of Dixie– Yellowhammer State

State Symbols

• State bird: Yellowhammer

• State tree: Southern longleaf pine

• State flower: Camellia• State song:

“Alabama” by Julia S. Tutwiler and Edna Gussen

State Flag

• Called the crimson cross of St. Andrews• Adopted in 1895• Developed from the Confederate Battle Flag

Where it’s located

• Bordered by four states:– Mississippi– Tennessee– Georgia– Florida

• Borders one body of water: Gulf of Mexico

• Located in the Southeast U.S.

Alabama Industries• Agriculture

– Cotton– Corn– Peanuts– Soybeans– Poultry– Livestock

• Hydroelectric power• Mining

– Coal– Limestone– Iron– Ore

• Steel-making• Automobile manufacturing

Historical Facts

• Spanish explorers first found Mobile Bay in 1519.• French settlers took residence in Fort Louis de la Mobile

in 1702.• Became the 22nd U.S. state in 1819.• Founded the Confederacy in Montgomery in 1861.• Rejoined the U.S. states after the Civil War in 1868.• Known for civil rights landmarks such as the

Montgomery Bus Boycott and Freedom March during 1950s and 60s.

Famous Alabamians

• Rosa Parks – civil rights activist who was at the center of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Famous AlabamiansHarper Lee – Author of the famous novel To Kill A Mockingbird

Famous Alabamians

• George Washington Carver – Famous scientist whose work helped save Alabama’s agriculture industry

Famous Alabamians

• Hellen Keller – well-known author and educator who overcame physical disabilities

Famous Alabamians

Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Satchel Paige – Hall of Fame baseball players

Places To Visit

• Tannenhill Ironworks Historical State Park• Vulcan – the world’s largest cast iron statue• Civil Rights Museum• Huntsville Space and Rocket Center• First White House of the Confederacy• Gulf of Mexico

Things to Do

• Attend a Alabama or Auburn football game

• Attend a NASCAR race

• Relax on the Gulf Coast’s beautiful white sand beaches

• Enjoy an outdoor adventure by fishing, horseback riding, hunting, camping or cycling.

Bibliography

• "Alabama Facts, Maps, and State Symbols". Enchanted Learning. April 8, 2009 <http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/alabama/>.

• "Alabama: History, Geography, Population, and State Facts". InfoPlease. April 8, 2009 <http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108176.html>.

• "alabama.gov". State of Alabama. April 3, 2009 <http://www.alabama.gov/portal/index.jsp>.

• Jones, Phillip. "Alabama". Encyclopedia Britanica. Chicago: Bolthouse, 2003.

• Smith, Mark. Alabama. New York: Penguin, 2001.