# Alabama

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q173](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alabama

## Summary
Alabama is a state of the United States of America, admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819, and located in the southeastern region of the country. Known as "The Yellowhammer State" and "Heart of Dixie," it is one of the 50 U.S. states and constitutes part of the contiguous United States.

## Key Facts
- Official name: State of Alabama
- Abbreviations: AL, Ala., Ala, Bama, US-AL, Yellowhammer State
- Nicknames: The Yellowhammer State, Heart of Dixie
- Capital: Montgomery (city in and county seat of Montgomery County)
- Admitted to Union: December 14, 1819
- Preceded by: Alabama Territory (1817-1819)
- Named after: Alabama River
- Population: Various counts including 4,779,736 (most recent)
- Coordinates: Centered at approximately lat: 32.7, lon: -86.7
- Instance of: U.S. state (constituent political entity of the United States)
- Official language: English (de facto)
- Demonym: Alabamian, Alabamans
- Area: Approximately 135,765 square kilometers
- Highest point: Cheaha Mountain at 2,407 feet
- Lowest point: Gulf of Mexico at sea level
- Time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6, UTC-5 DST)
- FIPS code: US-AL
- ISO 3166-2: US-AL
- Part of: Contiguous United States, East South Central states, Deep South
- Website: https://www.alabama.gov
- Official motto: "Audemus iura nostra defendere" (Latin: "We dare maintain our rights")

## FAQs
### Q: When did Alabama become a state?
A: Alabama became the 22nd state of the United States on December 14, 1819, preceded by the Alabama Territory which existed from 1817 to 1819.

### Q: What are the nicknames for Alabama?
A: Alabama is commonly known as "The Yellowhammer State" and "Heart of Dixie," with "Bama" being another informal nickname.

### Q: What is the capital of Alabama?
A: The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, which is also the county seat of Montgomery County and was established as a city in 1817.

### Q: What major cities and counties are in Alabama?
A: Major cities include Montgomery (capital), Tuscaloosa (county seat of Tuscaloosa County), and Birmingham. The state contains 67 counties including Jefferson County, Mobile County, Madison County, and Baldwin County among others.

### Q: What universities and educational institutions are located in Alabama?
A: Alabama hosts several universities including the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa (founded 1831), Auburn University, Tuskegee University (founded 1880), and Jacksonville State University (founded 1883).

### Q: What rivers and natural features are found in Alabama?
A: Major rivers include the Alabama River, Tennessee River, Mobile River, Black Warrior River, and Coosa River. Natural features include the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and various lakes including Wheeler Lake and Guntersville Lake.

### Q: What transportation infrastructure exists in Alabama?
A: Alabama has multiple airports including Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Montgomery Regional Airport, and Mobile Regional Airport. Major highways include Interstate 20, Interstate 65, Interstate 59, U.S. Route 82, and U.S. Route 29.

## Why It Matters
Alabama holds significant historical, cultural, and economic importance in the United States. As one of the original Deep South states, it played a central role in American history, including the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. The state was the site of pivotal events such as the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door and the Edmund Pettus Bridge march, making it a cornerstone of civil rights history. Economically, Alabama has been influential in agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace industries, with significant contributions to the U.S. space program through facilities like Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. The state's rich cultural heritage includes contributions to music, literature, and cuisine that have shaped American culture. Alabama's strategic location in the Southeast makes it a key transportation and logistics hub, while its natural resources and diverse geography contribute to its economic and ecological significance.

## Notable For
- Being the 22nd state admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819
- The birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement with significant events occurring in Montgomery and Selma
- Home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, contributing significantly to the U.S. space program
- Rich musical heritage including the Blind Boys of Alabama gospel group founded in 1939
- Historical significance as a major cotton-producing state in the antebellum South
- Hosting the University of Alabama and Auburn University, major sports programs with national recognition
- Having the USS Alabama battleships named in its honor, including the famous WWII battleship
- Being the location of the first successful trial of the polio vaccine at Tuskegee University
- Contributing to American literature through authors like Harper Lee, who wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird"
- Having a diverse landscape ranging from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian foothills
- Being home to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a major civil rights organization
- Manufacturing hub with automotive plants including Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai
- Agricultural heritage with the Boll Weevil Monument commemorating the pest that changed farming practices
- Geological significance with sites like the Sipsey Wilderness and unique cave systems

## Body
### History
Alabama's history begins with its territorial period from 1817 to 1819, when it existed as the Alabama Territory before achieving statehood on December 14, 1819. The state was named after the Alabama River, which itself was named after the Alabama people, a Southeastern culture of Native Americans. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes including the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw peoples before European colonization and the forced removal during the Trail of Tears.

During the 19th century, Alabama became a major cotton-producing state in the antebellum South, relying heavily on enslaved labor. The state played a significant role in the Civil War, being one of the founding members of the Confederacy. Key Civil War battles occurred in Alabama, including operations related to Wilson's Raid in 1865.

The post-war Reconstruction period brought significant changes to the state's social and political structure. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw continued agricultural development and the growth of industrial centers, particularly around Birmingham, known as the "Magic City" for its rapid growth as an industrial center.

### Geography and Natural Features
Alabama is located in the southeastern region of the United States and is part of the contiguous United States. The state features diverse geographical regions including the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Appalachian Highlands, and the Interior Plains. The state's highest point is Cheaha Mountain at 2,407 feet, while its lowest point is at sea level along the Gulf of Mexico.

Major rivers flowing through Alabama include the Alabama River, Tennessee River, Mobile River, Black Warrior River, and Coosa River. These waterways have historically been important for transportation and commerce. The state also contains numerous lakes including Wheeler Lake and Guntersville Lake, both formed by damming sections of the Tennessee River.

Alabama's forests include areas like the Talladega National Forest and the William B. Bankhead National Forest, providing recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. The state is also home to various wildlife species including the Alabama red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys alabamensis), which is endemic to the region.

### Economy and Industry
Alabama's economy has evolved significantly over time, transitioning from an agricultural base to a more diversified industrial and service economy. Historically, cotton was the dominant crop, but today the state has a more balanced agricultural sector producing poultry, cattle, soybeans, and peanuts.

The state has become a major manufacturing center, particularly in the automotive industry with plants operated by Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. Aerospace and defense industries are also significant, with the presence of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal, which houses various Department of Defense installations.

Tourism contributes to the economy through historical sites, natural attractions, and cultural events. The state hosted the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, demonstrating its capability to host major international sporting events.

### Education and Institutions
Alabama is home to several higher education institutions that serve both in-state and out-of-state students. The University of Alabama, founded in 1831 and located in Tuscaloosa, is the flagship public university. Auburn University, though not mentioned in the source material, is another major public institution.

Private institutions include Tuskegee University, founded in 1880 by Booker T. Washington, which holds historical significance as a historically black university and land-grant institution. Jacksonville State University, founded in 1883, serves northeastern Alabama. Oakwood University, established in 1896 in Huntsville, is a historically black Seventh-day Adventist university.

The state also has community colleges and specialized institutions such as the University of Mobile and Concordia College Alabama (which closed in 2018).

### Transportation Infrastructure
Alabama's transportation network includes major interstate highways such as Interstate 20, Interstate 65, Interstate 59, and Interstate 22, connecting the state to other parts of the Southeast and beyond. U.S. highways including U.S. Route 82, U.S. Route 29, and U.S. Route 90 provide additional connectivity.

The state has numerous airports serving different regions, including Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Montgomery Regional Airport, Mobile Regional Airport, and several smaller regional airports such as Dothan Regional Airport and Anniston Regional Airport. These facilities support both commercial and general aviation needs.

Rail transportation historically played a significant role, with companies like the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway operating in the state. Today, freight rail remains important, and passenger rail service is provided by Amtrak's Crescent route connecting New York to New Orleans.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Alabama holds profound cultural and historical significance in American history, particularly regarding civil rights. Montgomery was the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and later became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement. The city is home to the Civil Rights Memorial and was where Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Selma, Alabama, was the endpoint of the famous march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a pivotal moment in the fight for voting rights. The state has produced significant literary figures including Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," which addressed racial issues in the South.

Musically, Alabama has contributed to American culture through various genres, including the Blind Boys of Alabama gospel group founded in 1939. The state has also been influential in country music and blues traditions.

### Political and Administrative Structure
As a U.S. state, Alabama participates in the federal system with representation in both houses of Congress and electoral votes in presidential elections. The state is divided into 67 counties, each with its own local government. Major counties include Jefferson County, Mobile County, Madison County, and Montgomery County.

The state government operates under a constitution and has three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The capital, Montgomery, houses the Alabama State Capitol building, which serves as the seat of government.

Alabama has multiple congressional districts including the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th districts, each represented in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state has been subject to various redistricting and voting rights considerations due to its history.

### Demographics and Communities
Alabama's population reflects its complex history of Native American displacement, slavery, Reconstruction, and migration patterns. The state has experienced various demographic shifts over time, including the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities in the 20th century and more recent suburban growth.

The state includes numerous incorporated and unincorporated communities ranging from major metropolitan areas like Birmingham and Montgomery to smaller towns and rural settlements. Cities like Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Mobile serve as regional centers with their own distinct identities and economies.

The state's cultural landscape includes various religious communities, with significant Protestant Christian populations and growing diversity in religious affiliations. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile serves the southern part of the state.

## References

1. [Kay Ivey sworn in as Alabama’s 54th Governor. WHNT-TV](http://whnt.com/2017/04/10/lt-gov-kay-ivey-to-become-alabamas-second-female-governor/)
2. archINFORM
3. Global LEI Index
4. [Internetowa encyklopedia PWN](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Alabama;3867208.html)
5. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
6. Source
7. Encyclopedia of Alabama
8. Cahaba. Encyclopedia of Alabama
9. Tuscaloosa. Encyclopedia of Alabama
10. [1901 Constitution of Alabama - Amendment 509 -  English as Official Language of State.](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/codeofalabama/constitution/1901/CA-246352.htm)
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. BnF authorities
13. Cheaha State Park. Encyclopedia of Alabama
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. FIPS 10-4
16. MusicBrainz
17. [2010 United States Census](http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0400000US01)
18. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
19. [2000 United States Census](http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0400000US01)
20. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
21. [Source](https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/apportionment/apportionment-2020-table02.pdf)
22. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
23. [Official Symbols and Emblems of Alabama: State Bird of Alabama: Yellowhammer. Alabama Department of Archives and History](http://www.archives.state.al.us/emblems/st_bird.html)
24. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
25. GeoNames
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27. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
28. [Source](https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/state-abbreviations.htm)
29. BabelNet
30. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
31. [13A-6-70](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeofAlabama/1975/13A-6-70.htm)
32. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28922-Alabama-Vacations.html)
33. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/alabama)
34. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
35. Google Maps
36. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
37. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
38. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
39. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Alabama;3867208.html)
40. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
41. Golden
42. KBpedia
43. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
44. museum-digital
45. [Source](https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/ICPSR/thesaurus/10003/terms/30197)
46. Best Alabama Posts - Reddit. Reddit
47. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q224419)