50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Alabama State to Know

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Aerial of a city skyline with a few tall and short buildings surrounded by greenery
The skyline of Mobile, Alabama, where the oldest US Carnival celebration takes place

Everyone has heard of Alabama, but it's often an underrated state when compared to some of the more popular US travel destinations or cities with bigger populations. However, there's a lot worth knowing about Alabama that might surprise you!

From the funny to the scary, interesting and fun facts about Alabama state are so plentiful that there's something to intrigue people interested in any area of state trivia. Not to mention, you'll be prepared for when you visit!

So, get ready to learn some things you'd wish you had known earlier about the state with this list of 50 facts about Alabama!

50 Alabama State Facts

  1. Alabama Fun Facts
    1. Alabama had the first electric streetcar system
    2. The southern longleaf pine is the state tree
    3. You can attend civil aviation school in Alabama
    4. The state's official motto is "Audemus jura nostra defendere"
    5. "Sweet Home Alabama" became an unofficial state anthem
    6. The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is in Alabama
    7. Mardi Gras in Mobile is the oldest Carnival celebration in the US
    8. The Apollo 11 rocket was made in Huntsville, Alabama
    9. Alabama is very biodiverse
    10. The name "Alabama" most likely has Native American origins
  2. Interesting Facts About Alabama
    1. Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama
    2. The Red Hills salamander is the state amphibian
    3. Harper Lee lived in Alabama her whole life
    4. The US Space & Rocket Center is in Alabama
    5. There were 40 Native American tribes in Alabama
    6. African Americans conducted a bus boycott in Montgomery, AL
    7. Rankin Fite is a famous Alabama politician
    8. Agriculture was an important industry in the state in the 20th century
    9. Alabama has a lot of underground caves
    10. F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in Montgomery, Alabama
  3. Weird Facts About Alabama
    1. The University of Alabama's college sports are called "Alabama Crimson Tide"
    2. Alabama has the longest state constitution
    3. The largest cast iron statue in the world is in Birmingham, AL
    4. Alabama has a water mail route
    5. There are a lot of snails in Alabama
  4. Funny Facts About Alabama
    1. Alabama has the world's largest office chair
    2. Bear wrestling was legal in Alabama until 2015
    3. An Alabama woman invented windshield wipers
    4. The world's fastest home-building happened in Birmingham, AL
    5. You can't play dominoes on Sunday in the state
  5. Cool Facts About Alabama
    1. George Washington Carver taught at a school in Tuskegee, AL
    2. Alabama is rich in natural resources
    3. Conecuh Ridge Whiskey is the state spirit
    4. Alabama has over 132,000 miles of rivers and streams
    5. The state is on the Gulf Coast
  6. Quick Facts About Alabama
    1. Star Blue Quartz is the Alabama state gemstone
    2. The state population is around five million
    3. It's also called the "Yellowhammer State"
    4. The eastern tiger swallowtail is the most common butterfly in the state
    5. Alabama is also known as the "Cotton State"
  7. Scary Facts About Alabama
    1. The Confederate government in the Civil War was created in Alabama
    2. Alabama schools are underperforming
    3. There are many haunted places in the stat
    4. Mt. Nebo Cemetery headstones have "death mask" carvings
    5. Alabama gets hurricanes and tornadoes
  8. Historical Facts About Alabama
    1. Alabama was the 22nd state in the USA
    2. Rosa Parks helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama
    3. Martin Luther King Jr. led a protest in Montgomery
    4. Mobile Bay was a major port during the Civil War
    5. Alabama was important in the Civil Rights Movement

Show all

Alabama Facts Video

Check out our highlights video of Alabama facts.

Alabama Fun Facts

Skyscrapers, among other buildings and greenery, in a city skyline on a clear day
There are many fun facts about Alabama state to discover, including Mobile city

Alabama had the first electric streetcar system

To start this list of fun Alabama facts, did you know that Alabama had the first electric trolley in the United States? It was opened in 1886 in Montgomery and was named the Capital City Street Railway.

The trolley allowed people to move away from relying on horses. While horses and carriages were still popular for long distances, moving around the city became more efficient.

The southern longleaf pine is the state tree

Not every state has an official tree as one of its symbols. However, Alabama does. In the 1940s, the Alabama Congress first named a state tree. At the time, the tree was listed as the southern pine tree. Years later, in 1997, it was specified to be the southern longleaf pine, which used to cover much of Alabama's territory.

You can attend civil aviation school in Alabama

You can get your pilot's license in any US state. Some states even have over 100 schools that teach aspiring pilots how to fly airplanes.

Alabama also has several aviation programs to attend. Along with learning how to fly, you can join programs like aerospace engineering. So, if you've ever dreamed of being a pilot or in the aviation industry, Alabama is an excellent place to do it!

The state's official motto is "Audemus jura nostra defendere"

The people who call Alabama home love their state. Part of that love comes from the state's culture of maintaining people's independence.

It only makes sense then that the state's official motto is "Audemus jura nostra defendere,", which is Latin for "We Dare to Defend Our Rights." You'll find this motto on official government buildings and wherever you see the state's official coat of arms.

A green and white sign with greenery around that says, "Sweet Home Alabama"
One of the facts about Alabama is that Sweet Home Alabama is an unofficial anthem

"Sweet Home Alabama" became an unofficial state anthem

You've likely heard the song "Sweet Home Alabama" at some point in your life. Though you won't find it listed as an official state anthem, it's become a calling card for the state.

The song has an interesting history. It was meant as a way to show Alabama state pride during a time when some people were ashamed to say they were from the South.

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is in Alabama

When you think about NASA, you probably think about the agency's bases in Florida and Texas. However, an important NASA branch is also in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

You won't see any rockets launching from Alabama's Marshall Space Flight Center. Instead, it's a research center. It's where scientists work out how to get rockets into the air and where they need to go.

Mardi Gras in Mobile is the oldest Carnival celebration in the US

Even if you know a few facts about Alabama's history, you probably didn't know that most information suggests that the oldest celebration of Carnival in the US is in Mobile. Though New Orleans may be the Mardi Gras capital of the United States today, the holiday is first thought to have been celebrated in Alabama.

Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated in France. Since French settlers initially colonized the state of Alabama, they understandably brought some of their customs to the new world, including the celebration of Mardi Gras.

lspencer/Depositphotos.com
A glass building with a US flag to its right and a rocket ship at the back
The facade of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, where Apollo 11 was built

The Apollo 11 rocket was made in Huntsville, Alabama

In 1969, the first person set foot on the moon. The Apollo 11 mission is one of the most important moments in US history. It's also important to Alabama state history, specifically.

The rocket that took those brave astronauts to the moon was built in Huntsville, Alabama. Until then, this city was virtually unknown outside of the state. With the success of the mission, Alabama saw a surge in its popularity.

Alabama is very biodiverse

Alabama has a warm, humid climate all year. Though that means animals that prefer cold weather won't find themselves at home here, it's a perfect breeding ground for many other species.

It also has a varied landscape that allowed different species to evolve and differentiate themselves over time. In total, the state has over 4,500 different living species that call the state home, making it the fifth most biodiverse state in the country.

The name "Alabama" most likely has Native American origins

Alabama gets its name from some of the Native Americans who once populated the state. The Alabamas, or Alibamons, were a group of people who lived along what is now called the Alabama River.

In the language of the Alabamas people, the word Alabama would loosely translate to "clearers of the thicket" or "herb gatherers." However, the exact origin and meaning of the name have not been proven.

Interesting Facts About Alabama

The interior of an illuminated underground cave
Inside Rickwood Caverns, one of the many underground caves in Alabama

Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama

Helen Keller was an important female figure in American history. While initially born healthy in Tuscumbia, Alabama, she got sick (with scarlet fever or rubella) when she was a baby, which left her blind and deaf.

Through hard work and education, she learned to communicate. She went on to advocate for causes she was passionate about, like women's rights and the rights of people with disabilities.

The Red Hills salamander is the state amphibian

One of the most interesting facts about the state of Alabama is that it has an official state amphibian. The Red Hills salamander has the honor of being Alabama's state amphibian.

In 2000, a group of elementary students started a petition to nominate this little animal as the state's official amphibian. This petition was successful and brought attention to the animal's need for more wild habitats to live in.

Harper Lee lived in Alabama her whole life

Nearly every student in the USA has to read "To Kill a Mockingbird" at some point in their education. However, the life of the book's writer, Harper Lee, is almost as interesting as the book itself. Harper Lee lived her entire life in Alabama. Her love for her home state is evident in her writing and helped inspire much of her work.

Looking down into the metal exhaust pipes of rocket engines
Exhaust pipes of a rocket's engines in the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL

The US Space & Rocket Center is in Alabama

Since Huntsville is the place where the Apollo 11 rocket was built, it was the obvious place for the official US Space & Rocket Center. This museum showcases rocket history as well as the science involved in space study and travel.

The museum is government-run, which allows it to exhibit priceless mementos from the US Space Program's history. It also hosts events to celebrate special moments in space exploration.

There were 40 Native American tribes in Alabama

Like every US state, Alabama was populated by Native American tribes before settlers from Europe found their way to the area. When colonizers first arrived in what would become Alabama, 40 different tribes were distinguished. Over the years, many of these tribes disappeared, were forcibly relocated, or merged together.

African Americans conducted a bus boycott in Montgomery, AL

One of North American history's most notable non-violent civil rights protests happened in Montgomery, Alabama. For just over a year, from December 1955 until December 1956, African Americans living in the city refused to ride the city bus during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

At the time, buses were segregated, and African American passengers were required to give up their seats to white passengers if no empty seats were available. The protest began a few days after Rosa Parks was arrested when she didn't give her seat to a white man.

Rankin Fite is a famous Alabama politician

People who are passionate about government and civic history may recognize the name Rankin Fite. Though he never branched out into wider politics, he was an important political figure in Alabama.

He served as a member of the Alabama State House of Representatives for 24 years. During this time, he also served as the speaker of the house for two terms.

Agriculture was an important industry in the state in the 20th century

Today, Alabama is known for its contributions in many fields. However, during the 20th century, the state's largest source of revenue came from agriculture. It was also a big employer. For example, in 1940, almost 40% of jobs were in agriculture.

Alabama has a lot of underground caves

A list of state facts about Alabama wouldn't be complete without mentioning the state's underground caves. There are over 4,000 caves in the state, but those that tourists can readily explore are some of the most interesting.

One of the most famous caves is Russel Cave. The inside of this Alabama landmark is not accessible by visitors; it is closed off to protect the rocks and ecosystem. However, a national monument and a museum are there to learn about the Russel Cave system.

The cave systems in Alabama date back millions of years and show the geological history of the territory. Due to the state's climate, these caves are well-preserved and haven't suffered ice damage the way some northern caves have.

F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in Montgomery, Alabama

F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, lived in many places around the world. They spent time in New York, Minnesota, and even Paris. It's no surprise, then, that the duo also lived in Montgomery, Alabama for a while. The home the couple lived in is still standing. Today, it's a museum and state landmark, honoring the literary legend.

Weird Facts About Alabama

paulbradyphoto/Depositphotos.com
Two sets of stairs leading to a tower with a cast iron statue on top on a nice day
The 50-ton "Vulcan Statue" atop the Vulcan Park Observation Tower in Birmingham, AL
wolterke/Depositphotos.com
A bronze statue of 2 people holding a flag in front of stairs leading to a building
The facade of Bryant-Denny Stadium inside the University of Alabama campus

The University of Alabama's college sports are called "Alabama Crimson Tide"

Every state has pride in its state's college sports teams. However, Alabama takes that pride to a new level by calling the university sports organization the Alabama Crimson Tide.

This moniker has been used since 1907 after a long line of nicknames that didn't stick. The University of Alabama's main color is red, and the tide represents the players' hard work and competitive nature.

Alabama has the longest state constitution

Every state must follow the federal United States Constitution above all other laws. However, this document doesn't cover every law imaginable. To compensate for this and promote state freedom, each state has its own constitution as well.

Alabama's current constitution has been in place since 1901. However, this is the 6th version of the document. Due to these revisions, it's the longest of all 50 state constitutions.

The largest cast iron statue in the world is in Birmingham, AL

If you look up Birmingham, Alabama, one of the first things you'll find is the "Vulcan Statue." It's a 50-ton cast iron statue that sits high above the surrounding area and has become the symbol of the city. The figure depicts the Roman god Vulcan, the god of metalworking, volcanoes, and fire, and points an arrow toward the sky.

Alabama has a water mail route

An interesting piece of information about the state of Alabama is that it is one of the few states in the US with a water mail route. In Magnolia Springs, many people live along the water and don't have easy road access.

To get their mail delivered, the postal workers in the town deliver parcels by boat. Though you'll find waterfront homes all over the US, most don't have a water delivery route like Magnolia Springs. Magnolia Springs has a year-round water delivery service thanks to its milder temperatures.

There are a lot of snails in Alabama

Snails love humid weather, making Alabama a perfect place for snail species to thrive because it has the optimal balance of humidity and temperature. You've also already seen that the state is one of the most biodiverse in the country. In fact, there are over 200 freshwater snail species that live in Alabama.

Funny Facts About Alabama

Alabama has the world's largest office chair

To gain attention, the Miller's Office Supply retailer in Anniston decided to build something big. So they built the world's largest office chair. In 1982, the statue was officially named a Guinness World Record breaker.

Throughout its history, the chair has undergone some periods of disrepair, but its recent fame as a roadside attraction has renewed efforts to keep it well-maintained.

One of Alabama's lesser-known historic pastimes was bear wrestling. For years, brave men would try to prove their strength by wrestling bears, often at underground fights.

Due to the danger that this activity caused to both the bears and the humans involved, bear wrestling for profit was made illegal in the 1990s. Then, in 2015, the entire sport was outlawed by repealing the laws that made it legal Act 2015-70, HB40.

An Alabama woman invented windshield wipers

On a rainy day, you've probably been grateful for the windshield wipers on your car. Little did you know, those handy little tools were invented by an Alabama woman.

In 1903, Mary Anderson patented the first automated window cleaners. They're indispensable now, but at the time, she couldn't find a company willing to buy her idea!

The world's fastest home-building happened in Birmingham, AL

How long would you expect to need to build a house? Weeks? Months? Or years, maybe? In Alabama, Habitat for Humanity built a home in just over three hours and 26 minutes.

The home was built to help bring attention to the organization, which builds homes for people in need. It broke the previous world record for the fastest home construction, which was nearly three hours and 45 minutes long.

You can't play dominoes on Sunday in the state

Funny facts on Alabama obviously have to cover some of the silly laws that have been passed through the years. Supposedly, one such law states that you can't play dominoes on Sunday. This law has likely been repealed, as the state reevaluated its obsolete laws in 2015. However, if it's still in effect, officers likely won't enforce this particular law.

Cool Facts About Alabama

A boardwalk extending from a sandy white beach of a coastal city with tall buildings
Orange Beach cityscape on Alabama's Gulf Coast

George Washington Carver taught at a school in Tuskegee, AL

George Washington Carver was an important figure in botanical and agricultural science. He helped develop products made from soybeans and peanuts, which were easily grown in the South.

Though he dedicated his life to research, he was also passionate about promoting education. Due to this, he spent much of his career teaching at Tuskegee University in Alabama to help future agricultural engineers get the education they needed.

One of the facts about Alabama state is that it has many natural resources, like iron
A factory in Birmingham that once produced iron, one of the state's natural resources

Alabama is rich in natural resources

Alabama's climate and location make it one of the locations in the US that is richest in natural resources. Iron ore, limestone, coal, and timber are just a few examples of these resources. These elements have helped drive the state's economy and growth over the years.

Conecuh Ridge Whiskey is the state spirit

Alabama-style whiskey is known all over the country. A little less known fact, though, is that Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey is the state's official spirit.

This whiskey was illegal for most of the 20th century, but that didn't hurt its popularity. Since becoming legal, the whiskey has only become more well-loved and, in 2004, was officially made a state symbol.

Alabama has over 132,000 miles of rivers and streams

Alabama has some of the most extensive waterways in the US. There are more than 132,000 miles of streams and rivers across the state. You can also find over three million acres of wetlands, and the waterways in Alabama are some of the most biologically diverse in the world.

The state is on the Gulf Coast

Alabama may not be the first place you think of when you think of the coast, but it borders the Gulf Coast, and has a popular state park, Gulf State Park, protecting the beaches on this stretch of coastline.

Its coastal location helps contribute to its humid and warm temperatures. It's also one of the causes of the state's biodiversity since its inland territory is quite different from the areas near the sea.

Quick Facts About Alabama

Buildings behind a pond in a park filled with plants and trees
Cityscape of Huntsville, the most populated city in Alabama

Star Blue Quartz is the Alabama state gemstone

If you look up Alabama facts and information, you'll likely find the state gemstone of Star Blue Quartz. It may be a common gem, but it's still widely considered beautiful.

The gem is abundantly found in Alabama, which earned it its status as a state symbol. It's also an affordable gemstone since it's so commonly found. You'll find it used in art and souvenirs throughout the state.

The state population is around five million

Alabama may have been the site of many important historical events, but that hasn't caused an extreme increase in the state's population. Alabama's population today hovers around five million people.

It's the 24th most populated state in the country, and the most populated city is Huntsville due to its many jobs. The city's population sits at a little over 215,000 citizens.

A close-up of a yellow and brown bird resting on a tree branch
Alabama is also called the "Yellowhammer State" after the state bird

It's also called the "Yellowhammer State"

Like most states, Alabama has a nickname you'll find on state signs, souvenirs, and some license plates. It's most common official nickname is the "Yellowhammer State".

This Alabama nickname honors the state bird, the yellowhammer. You'll find the yellowhammer bird throughout the state. It's easily recognizable by its yellow color with brown accents.

A yellow and black butterfly on a white flower
The eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly can be seen for most of the year in Alabama

The eastern tiger swallowtail is the most common butterfly in the state

Since the weather is warm in Alabama, you'll be able to find butterflies all year. Even if you aren't passionate about butterflies, you'll easily be able to recognize the eastern tiger swallowtail after a while, as it's the state's most common butterfly.

You won't find them in the state during the winter when they travel a little further south. However, from spring through fall, you'll find these yellow and black butterflies flying and perched on trees.

Cotton plants in a wide field on a clear day
Alabama is also known as the "Cotton State" because it once produced so much cotton

Alabama is also known as the "Cotton State"

Alabama's more widely-known nickname is the "Cotton State.". During the 19th and 20th centuries, Alabama's agriculture was heavily focused on producing cotton.

While cotton was grown throughout the South, Alabama was one of the top producers. Today, the cotton industry isn't as widespread in the state, but its history has caused the name to stick around.

Scary Facts About Alabama

z4hos/Depositphotos.com
A black cannon on the brick wall of a fort overlooking the sea
A Civil War cannon at Fort Gaines on Alabama's Dauphin Island

The Confederate government in the Civil War was created in Alabama

The Civil War was one of the worst periods in American history. The country was split in two, and many soldiers lost their lives. While South Carolina was the first state to secede during the Civil War, Alabama and other southern states soon followed. In February 1861, the Confederate government was formed in Montgomery, Alabama, effectively beginning the American Civil War.

Alabama schools are underperforming

One of the most unfortunate facts on Alabama is the state of its school systems. Alabama's schools are routinely among some of the lowest-ranked in the country.

The schools in the state are underfunded, which can cause a lack of enriching study opportunities. However, these concerning statistics have raised awareness of the problem, and efforts are being made to fix it.

There are many haunted places in the stat

Alabama is a treasure trove of haunted places. Many of these haunted places are related to the Civil War since so many people lost their lives during the battles fought then. However, the spirits that are said to roam the state span many different time periods.

Mt. Nebo Cemetery headstones have "death mask" carvings

Though initially meant to honor the deceased, the "death masks" in Mr. Nebo Cemetery have become notorious for their spooky appearances. The gravestones with these masks date back to the 1880s and have been deemed nationally historic and important. The masks are carvings that are done in the image of the person buried and were also once a status symbol of sorts.

A large, damaged house, surrounded by damaged plants and trees on a clear day
The ruins of a damaged home after a tornado in Alabama

Alabama gets hurricanes and tornadoes

Alabama is prone to severe weather like many other states. However, unlike other places, it has to deal with multiple types of extreme weather that often don't occur in the same places regularly.

Alabama is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes and regularly deals with both. Due to its humid weather, it's also prone to tornadoes for extended periods throughout the year.

Historical Facts About Alabama

lspencer/Depositphotos.com
A metal sign on a sidewalk in a city with buildings in the background
A historical marker honoring Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama

Alabama was the 22nd state in the USA

Alabama was the 22nd territory to become a state. In 1819, Alabama officially became part of the United States of America. Alabama's territory changed hands a few times before its statehood. It was settled by the French but later inhabited by the British and the Spanish.

Rosa Parks helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama

Rosa Parks became a symbol for the civil rights movement in 1955 after refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, for which she was later arrested.

Though everyone learns about this event, not everyone knows it occurred in Montgomery, Alabama. This event started the year-long bus boycott, which is often cited as one of the first major civil rights protests and the initiator of the Civil Rights Movement.

Martin Luther King Jr. led a protest in Montgomery

Martin Luther King Jr. may have been from Georgia, but he was a minister in Alabama. After Rosa Parks' arrest, he became a leading figure in the bus boycott.

A decade later, he led another non-violent protest in the state. Thousands of African Americans marched to the state Capitol in Montgomery to end a five-day march from Selma.

Mobile Bay was a major port during the Civil War

Though Alabama's coast may make up a small portion of its territory, it was still of the utmost importance during the Civil War. Mobile Bay allowed access to the Gulf Coast.

Having water access allowed troops to receive supplies. When the Union took over New Orleans, Mobile Bay became the major port the Confederate army relied on.

Alabama was important in the Civil Rights Movement

Alabama was home to some of the pivotal moments that helped the historic Civil Rights Movement. From the bus boycott to the Freedom Riders, Alabama was at the forefront of the fight for African Americans to have equal rights.

Tensions had been rising for years all over the South. However, had the events that occurred in Alabama not taken place, it's impossible to know how the civil rights movement would have gone.

In Conclusion

Clearly, Alabama is an interesting state with a rich history. Were there any facts that made you scratch your head in surprise? There were probably a few! While it might not be talked about as much as some other US states, there's tons of Alabama trivia that will intrigue or surprise you.

This list had 50 facts, but there are countless others to learn. Hopefully, these categories helped you figure out a topic on Alabama that interests you. That way, you can continue your research into this southern state. Before you know it, you'll be planning your trip to Alabama and falling in love with it in person, too!

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Written by Gabrielle T

ggtraveler1213 FORMER WRITER Gabrielle loves all things travel and culture. She is originally from the USA, but she has lived in Italy for over a decade. She's always ready to pack her bags, grab her passport, and head out on an adventure!

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