Welcome to Alabama, a state that’s steeped in history, rich in culture, and full of surprises. From the bustling city of Birmingham to the sugar-white beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama offers a little something for everyone. This southern state has played a significant role in shaping American history, from the civil rights movement to the birthplace of the iconic Muscle Shoals sound. But Alabama is more than just its past – it’s a place where music, food, and hospitality come together to create an experience that’s truly unique. Whether you’re looking to explore the vibrant music scene in Montgomery, sample some mouth-watering barbecue in Tuscaloosa, or simply soak up the sun on the Gulf Coast, Alabama is the perfect destination for your next adventure. So come along with us on a journey to discover the hidden gems of the Yellowhammer State – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
1-5 Facts About Alabama
1. Alabama was named after the Alabama River.
2. With a total area of 52,420.07 square miles, Alabama covers 1.38% of the United States land mass.
3. Alabama native Mary Anderson is credited with inventing windshield wipers, a device we take for granted today. Her invention has saved countless lives by improving visibility on the road during inclement weather.
4. It’s hard to believe, but Alabama did not repeal its ban on interracial marriage until 2000.
5. In a bizarre turn of events, an Alabama bloodhound named Ludivine joined a half marathon in 2016 after her owner let her out to go pee. She ended up running the entire 13.1 miles and even finished in 7th place!
6-10 Facts About Alabama
6. In 1983, a school board in Alabama attempted to ban “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank, citing the book as “a real downer.”
7. Ever wondered what happens to unclaimed airport baggage? In Scottsboro, Alabama, there’s a store where you can buy items found in unclaimed luggage. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
8. Finally, it may come as no surprise that the highest-paid state employee in the USA is the head coach of the Alabama football team, Nick Saban. He earns a whopping $7.09 million a year! Football is a big deal in Alabama, and Saban is a highly regarded figure in the sport.
9. Alabama is the only state in the United States where a law banning the sale of sex toys still exists, although residents can purchase them with a doctor’s note.
10. In addition, it is illegal to wear a fake mustache in the church if it causes laughter.
11-15 Facts About Alabama
11. Garth Williams, the illustrator of Stuart Little, faced controversy when an Alabama state senator accused his children’s book “The Rabbits’ Wedding” of promoting integration and intermarriage because it featured a white bunny and a black bunny.
12. Alabama boasts the most diverse river system in the United States, known as “the Amazon of America,” and the most aquatic biodiversity of any place in North America.
13. In a bizarre incident, a former Alabama state senator refused to leave his chair for 12 hours during a dispute, resorting to urinating in a jug because he feared the Democrats would steal his seat.
14. In 1860, a group of African slaves from Ghana were set free in Alabama and established their own self-governing society that continued to use their traditional language and culture until the 1950s.
15. In 2014, the state paid $75,000 to Universal Records for five-year rights to the phrase “Sweet Home Alabama.”
16-20 Facts About Alabama
16. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alabama derived a significant portion of its state revenue by leasing inmate labor to private entities, including coal mining companies and plantations located in other states. The state did not end this practice until 1928.
17. When it comes to fast food, Alabama reigns supreme with a whopping 6.1 fast food joints per 10,000 people.
18. Birmingham, Alabama is home to the world’s largest-cast iron statue, a towering 56-foot depiction of the Roman god Vulcan designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti. It’s a true testament to the city’s artistic and engineering prowess.
19. Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Her arrest and subsequent activism in the civil rights movement earned her the title of “the mother of the civil rights movement.”
20. Did you know that civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. kickstarted his career as a pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama?
21-25 Facts About Alabama
21. Alabama takes the crown as the most religious state in the US, according to research conducted by PEW.
22. Dothan is renowned as the “Peanut Capital of the World” and hosts the largest peanut festival in the United States every fall. It’s a nutty celebration that pays tribute to the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
23. Motorcycle enthusiasts will have a field day at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, home to the world’s biggest motorcycle museum. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves speed, engineering, and a touch of nostalgia.
24. For a long time, bear wrestling was a legal pastime in Alabama – a strange and somewhat dangerous tradition that tested the limits of human strength and courage. However, the practice was outlawed in 2015.
25. Alabama has an official state drink, and it’s not what you might expect. Instead of a non-alcoholic beverage like most states, Alabama proudly claims the Bushwacker – a boozy concoction made with rum, coffee liqueur, and coconut cream. Cheers to that!
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 25 Awesome Alabama Facts For Kids.
Read More:
20 Fascinating Oklahoma Facts You Need to Know
10 Crazy Facts About Florida That You Should Know
