History of Alabama, USA

1819 - State constitution adopted; first general election held; Alabama became 22nd U. S. state

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(1820 - 1840) Over 150,000 slaves brought into Alabama

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1833 - Meteor shower caused night to be known as "the night stars fell on Alabama"
In 1833, a spectacular meteor shower lit up the skies over Alabama and much of the Eastern United States, creating an unforgettable celestial display. The event occurred during the early hours of November 13th, when thousands of meteors, or "shooting stars," streaked across the sky, appearing to originate from the constellation Leo. This particular meteor shower was part of the annual Leonid meteor shower, which is caused by the Earth passing through the debris trail left by the comet Tempel-Tuttle.

The intensity of the 1833 Leonid meteor shower was unprecedented and awe-inspiring, with some accounts describing the sky as being ablaze with falling stars. The event captured the imagination of those who witnessed it, leading to the night being famously referred to as "the night stars fell on Alabama." The meteor shower of 1833 remains one of the most remarkable astronomical events in American history, illustrating the wonder and beauty of the natural world.
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1836 - Alabama become the first state in the U.S. to officially legalize Christmas
In 1836, Alabama made history by becoming the first state in the United States to officially legalize Christmas as a holiday. This decision marked a significant shift in how the holiday was perceived and celebrated in the country. Prior to this, Christmas was not widely recognized as a holiday in the United States, and its observance varied greatly among different regions and communities.

The legalization of Christmas in Alabama helped to solidify the holiday's place in American culture and set a precedent for other states to follow suit. It also reflected a growing sentiment towards recognizing and celebrating Christmas as a time of religious and cultural significance.
rd.com

1854 - Alabama
Alabama, one of the Southern States of the American confederacy, is bounded on the N. by Tennessee, E. by Georgia, S. by Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, and W. by Mississippi. It lies between 30° W and 85° N. latitude, and between 85° and 88° 30' W. longitude; being about 330 miles in extreme length from N. to S., and 300 miles in its greatest breadth ; including an area of 50.722 square miles, or 32,462,080 acres, only 4,435,614 of which were improved in 1850...
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1861 - January 11 – American Civil War: Alabama secedes from the Union.
On January 11, 1861, Alabama made a pivotal decision in the lead-up to the American Civil War by seceding from the Union. This move came amid rising tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and the balance of power in the federal government. Alabama's secession was part of a larger wave of Southern states' secession following the election of Abraham Lincoln, who was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery in the South.

Alabama's secession was significant because it further escalated the already tense situation, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America and ultimately the Civil War.
January 11, 1861

1887 - Educational Advice
The average age of those who enter college is now seventeen. One hundred years ago it was fourteen, and it will be doubtless nineteen ere long, for our wisest educators affirm that a youth of sixteen seldom knows the value of study, and the older students do the best work.
Wilcox Progressive Era
Camden, Alabama
Wed., June 8, 1887

1903 - Alabama - The windshield wiper was invented by Mary Anderson in 1903 to help streetcars operate safely in the rain.
In 1905 she patented her invention, which allowed the car operator to control the external, swinging arm wipers from within the car. Windshield wipers became standard equipment on cars a decade later. Anderson was from Alabama, USA.
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1909 - boll weevil entered state of Alabama, destroyed cotton crops
In 1909, the boll weevil, a small beetle native to Mexico, made its way into the state of Alabama, marking the beginning of a devastating agricultural crisis. The boll weevil primarily feeds on cotton buds and flowers, and its arrival in Alabama had profound consequences for the state's cotton industry. The insect's rapid spread and voracious appetite led to widespread destruction of cotton crops, causing significant economic hardship for many farmers who relied heavily on cotton as their main cash crop.

The impact of the boll weevil invasion was particularly severe in Alabama and other southern states, where cotton was a major part of the economy. The destruction of cotton crops led to a decline in cotton production and a shift towards other crops such as corn, soybeans, and peanuts.
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1932 - March 21 - A tornado swarm occurred in the Deep South.
Between late afternoon and early the next morning severe thunderstorms spawned 31 tornadoes in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee. The tornadoes killed 334 persons and injured 1784 others. Northern Alabama was hardest hit. Tornadoes in Alabama killed 286 persons and caused five million dollars damage.
WeatherForYou.com

1937 - To help fund education Alabama instituted its state sales tax.
In 1937, Alabama implemented a state sales tax as a means to bolster funding for education. This decision was part of a broader effort to improve the state's education system, which had long suffered from inadequate resources. The sales tax was seen as a way to generate additional revenue without imposing a heavy burden on individual taxpayers. By taxing goods and services at the point of sale, the state aimed to create a sustainable source of funding for schools and other educational initiatives.

The introduction of the sales tax in Alabama was not without controversy. Critics argued that it placed an unfair burden on low-income families, who would feel the impact of the tax more acutely than wealthier residents. However, proponents believed that the benefits of the tax, namely the improvement of the state's education system, outweighed these concerns.

1944 - First oil well in Alabama
In 1944, Alabama's first oil well marked a significant milestone in the state's industrial history. Located in Choctaw County, the well was drilled by the Hunt Oil Company, initiating Alabama's foray into the oil industry. This event was particularly notable due to Alabama's relatively late entry into oil exploration compared to other states.

The discovery of oil in Alabama not only provided a new economic avenue for the state but also contributed to the broader oil industry in the United States. While the initial output of the well was modest, it paved the way for further exploration and development of Alabama's oil resources.
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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Alabama:
Visit Birmingham: Known as the "Magic City," Birmingham is Alabama's largest city and offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. Explore the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park, and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church.

Tour the USS Alabama: Located in Mobile, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a must-visit for history buffs. You can tour the USS Alabama battleship, the USS Drum submarine, and see various military aircraft.

Hike in Little River Canyon National Preserve: Located in northeastern Alabama, this preserve offers stunning scenery, waterfalls, and great hiking trails. Don't miss out on the Little River Falls and Canyon Mouth Park.

Explore Gulf Shores and Orange Beach: These coastal towns along the Gulf of Mexico are famous for their beautiful beaches, water sports, and family-friendly attractions like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA.

Experience Huntsville: Known as the "Rocket City," Huntsville is home to the U.S.... Read MORE...