Alabama
( The Heart of Dixie )
The etymology of the word or name, Alabama, has evoked much discussion. It was the name of an Indian tribe (Alabama, Albama, Alebamon, Alibama, Alibamou, Alibamon, Alabamu, and Allibamou). Alabama possibly means "Here We Rest", but it could also mean "thicket clearers", Alabama being a compound of Alba meaning "a thick or mass vegetation," and amo meaning "to clear, to collect, to gather up." Alabama became the 22nd state in 1819. From the early 19th century, Alabama's economy was dominated by cotton. However, although it is still an important crop, such as corn, peanuts, soybeans have taken over much of the former cotton lands. Particularly in the second half of the 20th century, a comparatively rapid industrialization set in. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) program of hydroelectric power production, begun in the 1930s, fostered the growth of giant fertilizer, munitions, and aluminum industries. Alabama, known as "Heart of Dixie" occupies a central place in the history of the South. Montgomery, the Alabama capital, served as the first Confederate Capital during the Civil War. Tourists can visit Alabama's historic homes and gardens, reminiscent of the Old South. Also popular are the resorts and beaches on Dauphin Island, the Gulf Shore and Mobile Bay.
Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Alabama include:
Ben Wallace,
Amber Benson,
Kate Jackson,
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The Flag of Alabama
Entered the Union in 1819 as the 22nd State; flag adopted in 1895. The diagonal cross and the square shape of the flag recall the Battle Flag of the Confederacy, organized in February of 1861 in Montgomery, Alabama's capital.
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 Largest Cities in the State
(1999) Birmingham, 249,459; Mobile, 200,206; Montgomery, 195,690; Huntsville, 177,893; Tuscaloosa, 85,171; Hoover, 61,406; Dothan, 58,383; Decatur, 54,988; Auburn, 42,601; Gadsden, 42,120
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Business and Trade in Alabama
Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, cattle, nursery stock, peanuts, cotton, vegetables, milk, soybeans.
Industries: Paper, lumber and wood products, mining, rubber and plastic products, transportation equipment, apparel.
State Symbols and Emblems
- Bird: Yellowhammer
- Flower: Camellia
- Tree: Southern Pine (pinus palustris)
- Song(s): Alabama
- Motto: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere (We Dare Defend Our Rights)
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Capital: Montgomery
Local Weather
Statehood: 1819-12-14
Population:
4,447,100 (87.6 mi2)
Geographic Area (mi2)
Total 52,419.02
Water 1,675.01
Land 50,744.00
Rank 28th Largest
State Education:
Pub & Prv Schools
College & University
Libraries
Border States: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee
Health Information:
Illicit Drug Use
Youth Risk Survey
Housing: In Alabama, there are 1,963,711 housing units, averaging to 38.7 per sq mile.
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