Interesting Facts About Alabama

Alabama is a beautiful state with a rich history and culture. From its heritage of the civil rights movement, to its spectacular landscapes, Alabama has plenty to offer visitors. But there is also a lot of interesting facts about the state that many people may not know. Here are 30 interesting facts about Alabama that you may not have known before.

1. Alabama is the 22nd most populous state in the United States.

The population of Alabama is estimated to be around 4.9 million people. It is the 22nd most populous state, just behind Pennsylvania and ahead of Ohio.

2. It is also the 24th largest state in terms of land area.

At 52,423 square miles, Alabama is the 24th largest state in the United States. It is slightly larger than Georgia but smaller than Tennessee.

3. Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.

In 1836, Alabama became the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday. This was in response to a growing number of people who were celebrating the holiday in the state.

4. The state bird is the yellowhammer.

The state bird of Alabama is the yellowhammer, also known as a northern flicker. It was adopted as the state bird in 1927.

5. The state flower is the camellia.

The state flower of Alabama is the camellia, which was adopted in 1959. It is a beautiful flower that is native to the state and can be found in many gardens.

6. Alabama is known as the Heart of Dixie.

Alabama is known as the Heart of Dixie, a nickname given to it because of its central location in the southern United States. It is also referred to as the Cotton State because of its historically strong cotton industry.

7. Birmingham is the largest city in the state.

Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama, with a population of over 212,000 people. It is the state’s cultural and economic center, as well as the location of many important civil rights landmarks.

8. The state tree is the longleaf pine.

The state tree of Alabama is the longleaf pine, which was adopted in 1949. The longleaf pine is a common tree in the southern United States and is important for its lumber and other products.

9. Alabama has the highest rate of lightning strikes in the United States.

Alabama has the highest rate of lightning strikes in the United States, with an average of 25 per square mile. This is due to its humid climate and nearby Gulf of Mexico.

10. The capital of Alabama is Montgomery.

The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, which was founded in 1819. It is the second oldest state capital in the United States, after Boston.

11. Alabama is home to the world’s largest office building.

The world’s largest office building is located in Mobile, Alabama. The building is 4,000,000 square feet and houses numerous government offices.

12. The state flag features a red St. Andrew’s cross.

The state flag of Alabama features a red St. Andrew’s cross, which is a symbol of the state’s Confederate heritage. The flag also features a white field with a blue star in the middle.

13. The state motto is “We Dare Defend Our Rights”.

The state motto of Alabama is “We Dare Defend Our Rights”. This motto was adopted in 1923 and is a reminder of the state’s commitment to defending its rights and freedoms.

14. The state song is “Alabama”.

The state song of Alabama is “Alabama”, which was written in 1931 by composer Julia Tutwiler. The song was adopted as the state song in 1931 and is still sung today.

15. The state gemstone is the star blue quartz.

The state gemstone of Alabama is the star blue quartz, which was adopted in 1967. The stone is a variety of quartz that is found in the state and is known for its beautiful blue color.

16. Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras.

Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, and the first celebration was held there in 1703. The city is now home to one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country.

17. The state dinosaur is the Eotyrannus.

The state dinosaur of Alabama is the Eotyrannus, which was adopted in 1984. The dinosaur is believed to have lived in the area during the Early Cretaceous period, about 110 million years ago.

18. The state insect is the Monarch butterfly.

The state insect of Alabama is the Monarch butterfly, which was adopted in 1989. The butterfly is a popular insect in the state and is known for its beautiful orange and black wings.

19. Alabama is the only state to have all major natural resources.

Alabama is the only state in the United States to have all major natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, iron ore, and limestone. This makes the state a major player in the energy industry.

20. Birmingham is home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue.

The world’s largest cast-iron statue is located in Birmingham, Alabama. The statue, which is of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking, stands 56 feet tall and weighs over 100,000 pounds.

21. The state vegetable is the black-eyed pea.

The state vegetable of Alabama is the black-eyed pea, which was adopted in 2019. The black-eyed pea is a popular vegetable in the state and is used in a variety of dishes.

22. The state fish is the largemouth bass.

The state fish of Alabama is the largemouth bass, which was adopted in 1975. The fish is a popular sport fish in the state and is known for its delicious flavor.

23. The state beverage is Conecuh Ridge Whiskey.

The state beverage of Alabama is Conecuh Ridge Whiskey, which was adopted in 2004. The whiskey is made from a secret recipe and has a unique flavor that is only found in Alabama.

24. The state shell is the Junonia.

The state shell of Alabama is the Junonia, which was adopted in 1985. The shell is a type of sea snail and is found in the waters around the state.

25. The state reptile is the Alabama red-bellied turtle.

The state reptile of Alabama is the Alabama red-bellied turtle, which was adopted in 1990. The turtle is a threatened species in the state and is found primarily in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

26. The state fossil is the Basilosaurus.

The state fossil of Alabama is the Basilosaurus, which was adopted in 1984. The fossil is the remains of a prehistoric whale that lived in the area about 40 million years ago.

27. The state amphibian is the Red Hills salamander.

The state amphibian of Alabama is the Red Hills salamander, which was adopted in 2005. The salamander is found in the Red Hills region of the state and is a threatened species.

28. The state soil is the Ochlockonee soil series.

The state soil of Alabama is the Ochlockonee soil series, which was adopted in 1990. The soil is known for its deep, fertile topsoil and is used to grow a variety of crops.

29. The state capital was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery in 1846.

The state capital of Alabama was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery in 1846. The move was made to be closer to the center of the state’s population.

30. The state nicknames are the Yellowhammer State and the Heart of Dixie.

The state nicknames of Alabama are the Yellowhammer State and the Heart of Dixie. The first nickname is in reference to the state bird, and the second is in reference to the state’s central location in the southern United States.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many interesting facts about Alabama. From its rich history and culture to its natural beauty and resources, Alabama is a fascinating state with a lot to offer. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’ll find plenty to explore and learn about in this amazing state.