The State of Alabama is situated in the southern region of the United States of America. This state is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Florida in the south, by Tennessee in the north, Mississippi in the west, and Georgia in the east. This state also has the nickname Yellowhammer State, which is also the name of the state bird. Sometimes, Alabama is also referred to as the Heart of Dixie.



History of Alabama

During the year 1819, Alabama was hailed as an official state of the United States. Alabama was a part of the Indian wars that erupted during the 1830s, where many white settlers managed to push Native Americans out of and away from the state. The white settlers then started their businesses in Alabama, with the rich planters establishing large cotton plantations. These plantations were placed along Black Belt, which was a fertile land named as such because of the work of enslaved African-Americans. Southern regions were known for employing many African-American slaves because their agricultural businesses need slave labor in order to thrive. By 1860, there were so many slaves that African-Americans made up around 45% of Alabama's population.

From 1861 to 1865, Alabama was a part of the Confederate States of America, and the slaves were freed in 1865. After the Civil War, Alabama became a mostly rural state, with cotton still being its main business. Although the African-Americans have already been freed, racism was still very rampant at this time. Due to this, many African-Americans migrated to the midwest and northern areas to escape.

Notable people hailing from Alabama

* George Washington Carver - He was an American educator, botanist, scientist, and inventor who is credited with having helped revolutionize agriculture in Southern United States.

* Helen Keller - A political activist, lecturer, and author, Helen Keller is the first deaf and blind individual to have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

* Nelle Harper Lee - She is most notably known for her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In 2007, her contribution to literature was recognized and she became awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom of the United States.

Getting to and staying in Alabama

There are many airports in Alabama. Major airports in this state include the Dothan Regional Airport, Mobile Regional Airport, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, Montgomery Regional Airport, and Pryor Field Regional Airport.

Those who wish to stay in Alabama will find themselves faced with a wide variety of accommodation options, from high-end hotels to bed-and-breakfasts. Alabama is also home to many restaurants featuring different cuisines that will certainly satisfy one's palate.

Events and happenings in Alabama

Individuals who would like to partake in happenings in Alabama will do well to check out these events:

* Mardi Gras - In Mobile, Alabama, the Mardi Gras events start in November. Mystic society balls are held on Thanksgiving, then parades are held on New Year's Day. There are also balls and parades held in January and February, and celebrations continue until the midnight before Ash Wednesday.

* Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic - This event is held every year in Decatur, Alabama, during Memorial Day weekend. Every year, there are around 60 local and national hot-air balloons to be seen at Point Mallard Park. Activities during this event include arts and crafts, classic car show, antique tractor show, and live stage entertainment.

* Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival - Film enthusiasts will surely love being in Alabama during the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, which is an annual film festival that is held in Birmingham, Alabama, during a weekend in late September.

The events and activities mentioned above are only a few of the ones offered by Alabama. There are so many things to do and so many places to see in this state that it's surely worth visiting.