Anyone who has lived in Alabama can tell you it’s an awfully interesting state. Our people, nature, structures, and laws are all uniquely their own. Since this land first became a state in 1819, the invisible lines that categorize all of us who live inside them have constantly witnessed magnificently interesting history being made. People who have impacted the world like Helen Keller, Angela Davis, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, Hank Aaron, Mia Hamm, and many more first called Alabama home - and that’s just scratching the surface. Here are a few of the most interesting things to know about the nation’s 22nd state.
Windshield Wipers Were Invented In Alabama
People up North love to make jokes about their Southern countrymen, but it must be noted that much of what we take for granted today came from innovative minds of the South. Without Alabama native Mary Anderson for example, cars would be much harder to drive. When Mary visited New York in 1902 she witnessed drivers having to get out of their cars to clear their car windows and be able to drive again. She returned to Birmingham and designed the windshield wiper patent that continues to benefit millions today.
Alabama Has The Most Snails Of Any US State - By Far
Surely you’ve seen a snail or two during your time in Alabama, but did you know that our state contains more than 40% of all the snails in the country? This shocking statistic sounds too large to be true, but can be attributed to Alabama’s diverse ecosystem that features an abundant amount of rivers and streams. Our state is the fourth most diverse in regard to species diversity, and this is highlighted by the more than 100 types of snails that call Alabama home.
Alabama Was The First State To Recognize Christmas As An Official Holiday
The Christmas holiday season is one of the most looked forward to times of the year for millions in the country. Gifts are given, families gather together, and trees are brought inside to hold fragile spheres. It seems like it’s always been a part of the country’s social fabric, but the United States didn’t make the holiday official until 1870. This came after Alabama's leadership in the category. We made Christmas a recognized holiday in 1836. As we’ve shared in the past Birmingham is also the home of Veteran’s Day.
The First 911 Call Was Made In Alabama
911 is a number we all know. It’s put in our brains from the earliest of ages as the number to call in case of an emergency no matter where you are. The concept first became a reality in 1968, and it was a call in Haleyville, Alabama that kicked things off. The first call was a more symbolic gesture between two politicians, but 911 quickly became the national standard for who to contact in case of an emergency.
Alabama Had A Bear Wrestling Problem In The 1990s
Bear wrestling is a largely abandoned sport that sees human challengers take on a bear in a 1-on-1 fight for bragging rights. As one can imagine, the bears were often treated poorly and physically altered to create a more balanced fight. This led to the 90s bear wrestling circuit resurgence finding a home in Alabama, which had not yet created any laws to deter this trend. Bears would be taken into bars to face their opponents before a law against the practice was unanimously approved in 1996.
Cover image from Unsplash
FAQs
Alabama is known for peanuts, cotton and agriculture industry, southern hospitality, the beautiful gulf coast beaches, its role in the Civil Rights Movement, and college football, especially the intra-state rivalry between University of Alabama and Auburn University.
What are some fun Facts about Mobile Alabama? ›
Mobile was the first city in Alabama, founded in 1702, 117 years before Alabama became a state. Mobile is home to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta which is the second largest in the U.S. Mobile is home to “America's Amazon” one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world!
What are 5 Facts about Alabama agriculture? ›
More than 1,750 acres of sweet potatoes are grown annually on 67 Alabama farms. Approximately 16,340 acres on 1,081 Alabama farms are planted in pecan trees. Forestry is Alabama's largest industry. Alabama has 23 million acres of timberland, accounting for 69 percent of the state's total land area.
What are 2 fun Facts about Alabama University? ›
The University of Alabama alma mater was written in 1908 by undergraduate Helen Vickers. In 1929 Denny Chimes, funded by student donations, was dedicated in honor of beloved UA President George Denny, better known as “Mike” by the students.
What are some fun facts about Birmingham? ›
Local inventor Alexander Parkes was also from Birmingham, he invented plastic. Birmingham is the only English city outside of London to have 5 Michelin starred restaurants. Birmingham is the largest and most populous city in England, outside of London. The Electric cinema is the oldest working cinema in the UK.
Why is Birmingham so famous? ›
Birmingham was home to the great scientists and inventors Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch, leading Birmingham to be the first manufacturing town in the world. The first ever working Steam Engine and the anchor of the Titanic were built in the Black Country.
Why is Birmingham, Alabama so famous? ›
Birmingham, Alabama became a focal point for civil rights activism and struggles against racial segregation and discrimination during the 1960s. One of the most notable examples of Birmingham's importance in the movement was the Birmingham Campaign in 1963. It was led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Is there anything interesting in Alabama? ›
Top Attractions in Alabama
From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 30 aircraft, the spirit of military… Museum with an extensive collection of motorcycles and cars, displayed across multiple floors with views of a race track and historical exhibits.
How did Alabama get its name? ›
ALABAMA: From an Indian tribe of the Creek Confederacy originally called the Alabamas or Alibamons, who in turn gave the name to a river from which the State name was derived. ALASKA: From Eskimo word "alakshak”, meaning peninsula; also said to mean "great lands."
What is a fact about Birmingham Alabama? ›
Birmingham is known as the founding city for the recognition of Veterans Day and hosts the nation's oldest and largest Veterans Day celebration. Birmingham is the only place in the world where all the ingredients for making iron are present—coal, iron ore and limestone, all within a ten-mile radius.
Alabama is rich in rural cultural traditions. Storytelling in particular has attracted the attention of folklore specialists, and quilt making is also a highly developed art. Sacred music, in the form of gospel ensembles and shape-note, or “fa-so-la,” singing, remains a vital part of Alabama's cultural life.
What are 3 interesting Facts about Alabama State University? ›
Alabama State University was founded in 1867 by nine former slaves. It began as the Lincoln School in Marion, Ala., and moved to Montgomery, Ala., in 1887, where it was established as a leading producer of African-American teachers. Percy J. Vaughn, Jr.
What animal Facts are in Alabama? ›
Alabama is home to 62 native mammals, including 22 species of rodents, 16 species of bats, 11 species of carnivores, six species of insectivores, four species of rabbits, one ungulate, one opossum and one armadillo.
How old is the state of Alabama? ›
Alabama was established as a separate territory in 1817 and became a state in 1819.
