My First Pocket Guide to Alabama

Alabama Basics

Alabama Geography

Alabama History

Alabama People

Alabama Places

Alabama Nature U S A

Alabama Miscellany

by Carole Marsh

M My y F Fiir rs st t P Po oc ck ke et t G Gu uiid de e

B By y C Ca ar ro olle e M Ma ar rs sh h

U S A

The Carole Marsh Bob Longmeyer Chad Beard Cecil Anderson Steven Saint-Laurent Jill Sanders

Kathy Zimmer Terry Briggs Pat Newman Billie Walburn Jackie Clayton Pam Dufresne

Cranston Davenport Lisa Stanley Antoinette Miller Victoria DeJoy Al Fortunatti Shery Kearney

Published by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

www.alabamaexperience.com 800-536-2GET • www.gallopade.com ©2001 Carole Marsh • First Edition • All Rights Reserved. ©2011 Ebook Edition Character Illustrations by Lucyna A. M. Green. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. The Alabama Experience logo is a trademark of Carole Marsh and Gallopade International, Inc. A free catalog of The Alabama Experience Products is available by calling 800-536-2GET, or by visiting our website at www.alabamaexperience.com.

Gallopade is proud to be a member of these educational organizations and associations:

Other Alabama Experience Products • The Alabama Experience! • The BIG Alabama Reproducible Activity Book • The Alabama Coloring Book • My First Book About Alabama! • Alabama “Jography”: A Fun Run Through Our State • Alabama Jeopardy!: Answers and Questions About Our State • The Alabama Experience! Sticker Pack • The Alabama Experience! Poster/Map • Discover Alabama CD-ROM • Alabama “Geo” Bingo Game • Alabama “Histo” Bingo Game

A Word From the Author... (okay, a few words)... Hi! Here’s your own handy pocket guide about the great state of Alabama! It really will fit in a pocket—I tested it. And it really will be useful when you want to know a fact you forgot, to bone up for a test, or when your teacher says, “I wonder . . .” and you have the answer— instantly! Wow, I’m impressed! Get smart, have fun!

Alabama Basics

Alabama Geography

Carole Marsh

Alabama Basics explores your state’s symbols and their special meanings! Alabama Geography digs up the what’s where in your state! Alabama History is like traveling through time to some of your state’s great moments! Alabama People introduces you to famous personalities and your next-door neighbors! Alabama Places shows you where you might enjoy your next family vacation! Alabama Nature - no preservatives here, just what Mother Nature gave to Alabama!

Alabama History

Alabama People

Alabama Places

Alabama Nature

Alabama Miscellany

All the real fun stuff that we just HAD to save for its own section!

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State Name

Who Named You? Alabama’s official state name is...

Alabama

State Name

Word Definition

OFFICIAL: appointed, authorized, or approved by a government or organization

Statehood: Alabama will be on a statecommemorative quarter starting in the year 2003. Look for it in cash registers everywhere!

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December 14, 1819 Alabama was the 22nd state to join the Union. Coccinella noemnotata is my name (that’s Latin for ladybug)! What’s YOURS?

State Name Origin

W hat’s In A

Name ? Alabama got its name from a Creek tribe, the Alibamu, that once lived in the area.

State Name Origin

Alabama means “I clear the thicket” and refers to the tribe’s method of clearing land to plant crops.

Many of Alabama’s names, such as Chattahoochee and Cheaha, reflect its Native American heritage.

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State Nicknames

WHO Are You Calling Names? State Nicknames

Heart Of Dixie

Alabama is not the only name by which the state is recognized. Like many other states, Alabama has some nicknames, official or unofficial!

on State t t Co hammer low Yel

Alabama is located near the center of the southeastern United States, near the Heart of Dixie.

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Sta te

A great nickname for a great state.

State Capital/Capitol

State Capital: Montgomery State Capital/ Capitol

Capital of Alabama Since 1846 Huntsville, Cahaba, and Tuscaloosa served as capitals of Alabama from 1819 until 1846 when Montgomery became the permanent state capital! Montgomery is known as the “Capital of the Confederacy.” It’s also known as the “birthplace of the civil rights movement” which was “born” in the 1960s.

Word Definition

CAPITAL: a town or city that is the official seat of government CAPITOL: the building in which the government officials meet 7

State Government

Who’s in Charge Here? Alabama’s EXECUTIVE

GOVERNMENT

has three branches:

LEGISLATIVE

JUDICIAL

State Government

A governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, auditor, and commissioner of Agriculture and Industries

TWO HOUSES: The Senate (35 members) House of Representatives (105 members)

SUPREME COURT (9 members) Court of Civil Appeals Court of Criminal Appeals Circuit Courts District Courts Probate Courts Municipal Courts

Alabama’s state constitution is very long—more than 175,000 words. In fact, it may be When you are one of 18 and register according to the Alabama laws, longest vote! can you So please do! constitutions Your vote in the world! counts! 8

State Flag

State Flag

Alabama’s current state flag was adopted in 1895. As you travel throughout Alabama, count the times you see the Alabama flag! Look for it on government vehicles, too!

✮

It features the crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white.

✮

✮ ✮ ✮

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State Seal & Motto

State Seal The state seal of Alabama features two circles, a smaller one in the center of a larger one, with the words “Alabama State Seal & Motto Great Seal” between them. A map of Alabama showing the primary rivers is inside the circles.

Word Definition

?

MOTTO: a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of an organization or group

State Motto Alabama’s state motto is...

Alabama’s state seal is the only one in the U.S. to include a state map as part of the design.

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Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere. That’s Latin for “We Dare Defend Our Rights.” My motto is “the bugs rule!”

State Bird Birds of a Feather Yellowhammer –Colaptes auratus–

The state bird of Alabama is the goldenwinged woodpecker, commonly called yellowhammer or flicker. Yellowhammers are the only woodpecker in North America that often feed on the ground looking for bugs. They make Alabama their year-round home and live in cities and in rural areas. Yellowhammers nest in tree cavities, power poles, and bird houses.

State Bird

Yellowhammers sing a repeated chorus of flicker, flicker, flicker, flicker or wickawicka-wicka and end with a loud kleeer!

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State Tree Southern Longleaf Pine Pinus palustris Miller

s

Woodm an ,

State Tree

orris eM Pop

p

that tree !—Geor e r ge a

The needles of the longleaf pine are bundled in “threes” and grow to about 1 foot (30 centimeters). The pine cones grow to about 7 inches (18 centimeters) long. The longleaf pine is a “late bloomer” that grows very little above the ground during its first ten years. Sometimes in its early years, it’s mistaken for grass. 12

State Flower

Camellia

on m ear th Wor dswor th

The spectacular camellia became the state Camellia flower of japonica Alabama in er lia w o l 1959. The was nA lovelier .f—Wil camellia blossoms ever sown for nine months of the year—even in winter, when few other plants are in bloom. Camellias can be red, white, or pink, or a mixture of these colors.

State Flower

RIDDLE:

ANSWER: A flickering, flying camellia—it could happen!

The camellia is not native to Alabama. It’s originally from Asia but grows beautifully in the Heart of Dixie!

If the state flower got mixed up with the state bird, what would you have?

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State Horse

A oth o m S ide! R State Horse

The racking horse is Alabama’s official state horse. It’s a very strong horse with a smooth, natural gait (or stride), and can sustain a fast pace for a long time. Racking horses are very comfortable to ride and are usually friendly to people. They may be black, bay, sorrel, chestnut, Racking horses popular brown, gray, yellow, or became on Southern sometimes, they may plantations when folks even be spotted. learned they could be ridden comfortably for hours.

Whoa! 14

State Reptile

Alabama Red-bellied Turtle

Pseudemys alabamensis

State Reptile

Alabama’s state reptile lives only in Alabama! Alabama red-bellied turtles live in the Mobile River delta area. Some have been spotted in the Little River State Park Lake and on Dauphin Island. On a sunny day, these Alabama natives may be seen sunning themselves on logs. Alabamians are working hard to protect their state reptile—it’s on the endangered species list!

Alabama redbellied turtles live in fresh or brackish (partly-fresh and partly-salt) water.

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American Folk Dance

The

Square Dance

American Folk Dance

An American folk dance related to the English country dance and French ballroom dance, the square dance includes squares, rounds, clogging, contra, line, the Virginia reel, and heritage dances. Square dance partners face each other in two lines and perform various steps to the instructions of a caller.

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State Nut

Pecan State Nut

Pecans can be found throughout the United States but mostly in the South. Pecan trees grow all over Alabama. Pecans are tasty nuts. They are a good source of vitamin B-6. Many southern recipes such as pralines and pecan pies make good use of these great-tasting nuts! Who’s (Oops!)— I mean what’s your favorite nut?

☛

Alabama made the pecan its official state nut in 1982.

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Gemstone, Rock, & Mineral The star blue quartz is the official gemstone of Alabama. Quartz is the most common silicate (glass mineral). Quartz is very hard and has Gemstone, many industrial uses. It’s used Rock, & to help make clocks and watches. Mineral Alabama has a state rock. It’s marble—a metamorphic rock that may be white, pink, gray, red, or black. Marble started out as limestone that went through a metamorphosis (a change from pressure or heat). Limestone x metamorphosis = marble! Alabama’s marble has been used in buildings all over the U.S. Crushed marble is used in textiles, plastics, paints, and electrical insulation.

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Hematite is Alabama’s official state mineral. Hematite is also known as “red iron ore” and was once Alabama’s most-developed “nonfuel” mineral. The mining of hematite, coal, and limestone helped make Birmingham an important industrial center.

State Insect

Monarch Butterfly State Insect

—Danaus plexippus— The monarch is found throughout the world but mainly in North America. Each fall, monarch butterflies migrate to California, Florida, and Mexico. In the two-year lifetime of most of the butterflies, the monarch makes the trip twice. Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86˚F (30˚C). At temperatures below this, they must “warm up” their flight muscles by sunning their bodies or shivering their wings.

Alabama has an official state mascot, too! It’s the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly!

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State Fish

Largemouth Bass —Micropterus salmoides— State Fish

The largemouth bass is a greenish fish with a dark side stripe that lives in Alabama’s quiet, vegetated lakes, ponds, and rivers. Alabama has an official saltwater fish, too! It’s the fighting tarpon (tarpon atlanticus). Fighting tarpons can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Alabama Bass

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Put a bass filet on foil. Drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add shredded smoked ham and broil fish until done. Sounds fishy to me!

The State The State of

Alabama

The State

Alabama has rivers and lakes, mountains and valleys, plateaus, ridges, prairies, deltas, swamps and bayous, caves and caverns, and coasts and coastal plains. States are great!

Alabama has the longest natural bridge east of the Rocky Mountains. Located in Winston County, the sandstone bridge is 148 feet (45 m) long, 33 feet (10 m) wide, and 60 feet (18 m) high!

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State Location Al a b a m a i s one of the southern s t a t e s. State Location

T H E CO N T I G U O U S U N I T E D S TAT E S

Alaba

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Word Definition

ma

LATITUDE: Imaginary lines which run horizontally east and west around the globe LONGITUDE: Imaginary lines which run vertically north and south around the globe

State Neighbors

On The Border! These border Alabama: States: Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida Bodies of water: Chattahoochee River, Perdido River, Gulf of Mexico

State Neighbors

e

pi Mississip

ma Alaba iv Perdido R er

R Chattahoochee iver

e Tenness

Georgia

Florida

Gulf of Mexico

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East-West, North-South, Area

I’ll Take the Low Road… East-West, North-South, Area

Alabama stretches 330 miles (531 kilometers) from north to south— or south to north. Either way, it’s a long drive!

Total Area: Approximately 52,237 square miles (135,283 square kilometers) Land Area: Approximately 50,750 square miles (131,432 square kilometers)

Alabama is 190 miles (306 kilometers) from east to west—or west to east. Either way, it’s still a long drive! This is a compass rose. It helps you find the right direction on a map!

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Highest & Lowest Points

You Take the High Road!

HIGHEST POINT

Highest & Lowest Points

Cheaha Mountain—2,405 feet (733 meters)

Cheaha Mountain reaches to the sky on the northwestern edge of the Piedmont. This region has large deposits of coal, iron ore, limestone, and marble. LOWEST POINT Sea level along the Gulf of Mexico

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State Counties

I’m County-ing on You! Alabama is divided into 67 counties.

State Counties

Word Definition

1, 2, 3, 4, 5… 26

COUNTY: an administrative subdivision of a state or territory

6, 7, 8, 9, 10…

Natural Resources It’s All Natural!

More than two-thirds of Alabama is covered by forests. Word Definition

NATURAL RESOURCES: things that exist in or are formed by nature

Natural Resources

Minerals and rocks: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Coal Iron Ore Limestone Sand & Gravel Oil Natural Gas Dolomite Graphite Bauxite Hematite Marble Sandstone Quartz Clays

Did you know seafood is a natural resource, too? Most of Alabama’s seafood catch comes from the Gulf of Mexico. Shrimp, oysters, blue crabs, and red snapper are important to Alabama’s economy.

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Weather

Weather, Or Not?! Alabama’s summers are long and hot! The winters are usually mild. Snow may fall in the northern region but is rare in the southern coastal areas. Weather

Highest temperature: 112°F (44°C), September 5, 1925, at Centreville ºF=Degrees Fahrenheit ºC=Degrees Celsius

Lowest temperature: -27°F (-33°C), January 30, 1966, at New Market

Alabama gets plenty of rain year-round! Average annual precipitation ranges from about 53 inches (135 centimeters) in the northern regions to 65 inches (165 centimeters) along the coast.

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Topography

In east-central Alabama lies the Piedmont with low hills and high ridges. The rich, black soil of the Black Belt stretches from west-central to the middle of the coastal plain.

100 m 328 ft 200 m 656 ft 500 m 1,640 ft 2,000 m 1,000 m 6,562 ft 3,281 ft

TOPOGRAPHY: the detailed mapping of Word Definition the features on the surface of land

Topography

5,000 m 16,404 ft

Beginning in the Appalachian Mountains (the Cumberland or Appalachian Plateau) in the northeast, Alabama gently slopes to the Bay of Mobile (the East Gulf Coastal Plain) in the southwest.

Sea Level

Back On Top

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Mountains

King of the Hill Mountains

Mountains

● Cheaha Mountain (Alabama’s tallest peak) ● Red Mountain ● Dugger Mountain ● Oakey Mountain ● Augusta Mine Ridge ● Indian Mountain ● Flagpole Mountain ● Choccolocco Mountain ● Lookout Mountain

Climb every mountain…

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Rivers

A River Runs Through It! Here are some of Alabama’s major rivers: ● Cahaba River (Alabama’s most floated river) ● Chattahoochee River ● Tombigbee River ● Black Warrior River (named for Chief Tuscaloosa) ● Choctawhatchee River ● Mobile-Tensaw River ● Alabama River ● Coosa River ● Tallapoosa River ● Tennessee River Alabama has more ● Perdido River than 1,600 miles ● Conecuh River (2,575 kilometers) of navigable water. Only the state of California has more navigable river miles than Alabama!

Rivers

Grab a paddle!

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Major Lakes

Gone Fishin’ Major Lakes

● Guntersville Lake ● Demopolis Lake ● Bankhead Lake ● Smith Reservoir ● Lake Jordan ● Logan Martin Lake All of Alabama’s ● Mitchell Lake large lakes were formed by the ● Lay Lake construction of dams built to ● Weiss Lake produce electric ● Pickwick Lake power. ● Wheeler Lake ● Wilson Lake ● Lake Martin ● Lake Eufaula Word Definition

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RESERVOIR: a body of water stored for public use

Cities & Towns Are You a city mouse… or a Country Mouse?

Jeff Jackson, the Brilliant Butler, served Sweet Water from Goodsprings!

Have you heard of these wonderful Alabama town, city, or crossroad names? Perhaps you can start your own list!

MAJOR CITIES: • Birmingham • Mobile • Montgomery • Huntsville • Tuscaloosa • Dothan • Decatur • Florence • Anniston • Gadsden • Hoover

Cities & Towns

UNIQUE NAMES: • Brilliant • Burnt Corn • Butler • Goodsprings • Hatchechubbee • Jeff • Jackson • Point Clear • Sweet Water • Sulphur Springs • Sunny South I love the Sunny South! Is my Point Clear?

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Transportation Major Interstate Highways

I-20, I-59, I-78, I-65, I-85, I-231, I-10 Railroads Transportation

Alabama has about 4,500 miles (7,242 kilometers) of railroad track. Major Airports Airports are located in Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan, Gadsden, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscaloosa.

Seaports The port of Mobile is a busy distribution point for coal and petroleum products.

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Timeline 1500s Spanish explore present-day Alabama 1702 French settle Fort Louis de la Mobile 1763 Treaty of Paris ends French and Indian War, France gives Alabama to England 1780 Spain captures Mobile 1783 England cedes northern part of Alabama to U.S. and cedes Mobile region to Spain 1817 U.S. Congress organizes the Alabama Territory 1819 Alabama joins Union, becomes 22nd state 1861 Alabama secedes from the Union, becomes the Republic of Alabama for a short time, then joins the Timeline Confederate States of America 1865 Confederacy surrenders to the Union, Civil War ends 1868 Alabama is readmitted to the Union 1901 Present state constitution is adopted 1950s Fight for civil rights in Alabama begins 1982 George C. Wallace becomes first Alabama governor to be elected to a fourth term 1986 Guy Hunt is elected governor—first Republican to lead Alabama since Reconstruction

On to the 21st Century! 35

Early History

Here come the humans! Until recently, scientists believed that the first humans came to North America about 14,000 years ago. These people crossed over a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska, and then spread out across the North American continent. Early New evidence now suggests that people History may have first arrived at the Americas 15,000, 20,000 or even 30,000 years ago! These prehistoric people were ancestors of the cliff-dwellers and mound builders that lived in present-day Alabama. Around AD 1000, farming began to replace hunting as the way of life for these These early people early Alabamians. were nomadic hunters who traveled in small bands. They camped when seasons offered hunting, fishing, and fruit and nut gathering.

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Early Indians

Native Americans Once Ruled! When Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, two Native American groups lived in Alabama. The tribes of the Muskhogean peoples— Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw; and the Cherokee, an Iroquoian tribe, led an agricultural life. They raised corn, or maize, beans, tobacco, and squash. Their homes were made of logs. These four tribes along with the Seminole of Florida, were known as the Five Civilized Tribes. They adopted European customs more willingly than some of the other tribes in North America. Word Definition

Early Indians

WAMPUM: beads, pierced and strung, used by Indians as money or for ornaments

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Exploration

Land Ho!

The first explorers to arrive in present-day Alabama were the Spanish. Some explorers traveled over land. Some sailed their boats through the Gulf of Mexico into Mobile Bay. They came looking for new lands to conquer and golden treasures Exploration to keep! But the Spanish didn’t stay! They tried to settle near Mobile Bay in 1559, but the attempt failed. More than 100 years later, the French came exploring. And they stayed! Explorers, missionaries, and adventurers came from Europe on ships in the 1500s.

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¡Hola! ¿Cómo está usted? = Hello! How do you do?

Colonization

Home, Sweet Home The French did indeed stay! In 1689, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, floated down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed all the land drained by the Mississippi River for France. This area, known as the Louisiana Territory, is believed to have included Alabama. The French established the first Colonization permanent settlement in Alabama. Fort Louis de la Mobile was established on a bluff near the Mobile River and served as the first territorial capital of the Louisiana Territory. In 1711, Fort Louis was washed away by a flood and the capital moved to the site of present-day Mobile. Following the French and At one time, a portion of Indian War, England gained present-day control of Alabama through Alabama was even claimed the 1763 Treaty of Paris but as part of the ceded most of Alabama to colony of Georgia! the U.S. and Spain after the American Revolution.

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Key Product

Iron and Steel Alabama is known for its iron- and steel-making industry. Hematite, or red iron ore, was mined for many years in central and northeastern Alabama. The abundance of hematite, coal, and limestone opened the way for Birmingham to become an Key important industrial center. Product Today, iron and steel products are made in the triangle area formed by Birmingham, Decatur, and Gadsden. Raw ore is transformed into materials that become a part of our roads, rails, cars and trucks, and buildings. In 1904, Birmingham iron ore was used to cast the statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, that stands on top of Red Mountain. It’s one of the largest castiron structures ever made!

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Legends and Lore According to Alabama legends… A sleeping baby who is smiling is listening to angels and smiling at them. If you have a dimple in your chin, many hearts you will win. If you’re a girl: before you go to sleep, name all four corners of your bed a different boy’s name. When you wake up in the morning, the first corner you see in the morning is the name of the boy you will marry.

Legends and Lore

If a cat sneezes, it’s a sure sign of rain. Plant beans during a full moon and the crop will be good. Kissing a newborn baby will bring you good luck. If you see a dead frog, draw a circle around it, spit on it, and make a wish. Your wish will come true!

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Revolution

Freedom! Freedom! Once American colonists were established in their new home, they began to resent the strong-handed rule of royal British governors and objected to paying taxes to a motherland that was no longer their homeland. Great Britain thought the colonies would be a good place to find some cash. They had spent a lot of money during the French and Indian War. Britain levied taxes against the Revolution colonies such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. War broke out in 1775. General George Washington led the American colonies in their fight for independence. The Battles of Lexington and Concord started the war. On Victory in the July 4, 1776, the Declaration Revolutionary of Independence was signed. War led to the In March 1780, Bernardo birth of 13 United States—which grew de Galvez, the governor of into 50 United Florida and Louisiana States including the great state of captured the British post Alabama! at Mobile. The battle took only two days to win! 42

Slaves and Slavery In 1719, France established a colony near Fort Louis (now Mobile) to produce sugar, rice, and indigo. To help grow and harvest these crops, the French captured 600 Africans and brought them to work as slaves. This marked the beginning of more than one hundred years of slavery in America! The majority of farmers did not own slaves. But as a southern state, Alabama depended on the plantation system of agriculture. Slaves could be sold whenever their owners chose to do so. Men, women, and Slaves and children could be taken from their Slavery families—separated at any time! Long days, hard labor, disease, and bad weather made plantation life one of misery. Many slaves shared unique talents, such as creating some of the favorite foods we enjoy today from recipes or seeds they brought from Africa. They also fought for freedom in creative ways. Slave women created quilts with secret designs to help those wishing to escape find their way along the famous Underground Railroad. Word Definition

ABOLITIONIST: person who believed slavery was wrong and should be ended

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The Civil War

The Civil War was fought between the American states from 1861 to 1865. The argument was over states’ rights to make their own decisions, including whether or not to own slaves. Southern states, with plantations and slaves, were on one side of this conflict. Northern states, who opposed slavery or had no need of it, were on the other side. Some The Civil of the southern states began to War secede (leave) the Union. They formed the Confederate States of America. After four long years, the Confederacy surrendered at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. It took years for the country to recover from the devastation of this unfortunate war, in which Americans could find no way to agree, except to fight!

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Word Definition

RECONSTRUCTION: the recovery and rebuilding period following the Civil War

The Civil War

In 1865, at the end of the Civil War, the 13th Amendment was ratified! This amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States. Some slaves became sharecroppers, others went to Northern states to work in factories.

The Civil War was also called the War Between the States. Soldiers often found themselves fighting against former friends and neighbors, even brother against brother. Those who did survive often went home without an arm, leg, or both, since amputation was the “cure” for most battlefield wounds. More Americans were killed during the Civil War than during World Wars I and II together!

The Civil War

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Famous Documents

Get It In Writing! 1763 Treaty of Paris France cedes land including Alabama to Great Britain Famous Documents

1776 Declaration of Independence 1783 Treaty of Paris Great Britain cedes northern Alabama to United States 1789 U.S. Constitution 1901 Present state constitution

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Immigrants

Welcome To America! People have come to Alabama from other states and many other countries. As time goes by, Alabama’s population grows more diverse. This means that people of different races and from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds have moved to Alabama. Alabamians benefit from their diverse culture as new residents bring a heritage rich in the traditions of their homelands. Immigrants

In the past, many immigrants have come to Alabama from Spain, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and Italy. Africans were “forcefully” migrated to Alabama. More recently, people have migrated to Alabama from Scandinavia, Greece, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Immigrants come in search of opportunities—jobs, education, or religious freedom. Only a certain number of immigrants are allowed to move to America each year. Many of these immigrants eventually become U.S. citizens.

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Disasters & Catastrophes!

Capital Floods! In 1711, floods ravage original French capital of Fort Louis de la Mobile forcing settlers to move south and relocate the capital to present-day Mobile. In 1825, the Alabama River floods and devastates the capital city of Cahaba. The capital moves once again, this time to Tuscaloosa.

Plague Turns to Profit! In 1915, boll weevils eat their way through Alabama and destroy the cotton crop and the economy! The plague turns to profit as farmers are forced to plant other crops including peanuts. Today, Alabama is one of the leading peanut-producing states in the nation!

Disasters & Catastrophes!

Floods (again), Hurricanes, and a Killer Tornado! In 1929, the Alabama-Tombigbee river system floods southern Alabama causing $6 million in damage. Shortly after in 1932, hurricanes and a tornado blast their way through Alabama bringing more devastation and death!

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Legal Stuff The Scottsboro Case! In 1931, a fight broke out on a train between blacks and whites. Two white men were thrown from the train, leaving two white women in the boxcar with nine black men. The black men were arrested when the train stopped. The women cried, “Assault!” Although medical evidence did not support their claims, the African-Americans were convicted and sentenced to death. The legal ordeal lasted six years and went to the U.S. Supreme Court—twice! The defendants were finally freed.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legal Stuff

…banned discrimination on the basis of color, race, national origin, religion or sex; guaranteed equal access to public facilities, the right to vote, and employment opportunities.

Voting Rights Act of 1965! Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led thousands in a march from Selma to Montgomery to protest unjust obstacles that kept African-Americans from registering to vote. The act banned the unfair poll tax, literacy test, and property requirements.

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Women & Children

Cassette Girls …were orphans imported to Fort Louis de la Mobile, in the early 1700s, by the French governor to encourage settlers to stay and make “Mobile” their permanent home. The French government gave each bride a cassette (or trunk) and an outfit of clothing.

It’s about time! From 1907 to 1911, Alabama passed legislation to regulate child labor in factories and to ensure better funding for education. Women & Children

A Very Brave Lady!

In 1955, an African-American woman in Montgomery named Rosa Parks made a very brave step toward integration and civil rights. After a long day at work, she took a seat on a bus, BUT she wouldn’t give it up to a white man as the law of segregation required. Rosa Parks was arrested, leading to a year-long boycott of Montgomery buses. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nobel Peace Prize winning-clergyman and civil-rights leader, led the successful boycott which ended in 1956 with a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court outlawing all segregated public transportation in the city!

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Wars

Fight! Fight! Fight! Wars that had an impact on Alabama:

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

French and Indian War Revolutionary War War of 1812 Creek War Mexican-American War Civil War Spanish-American War World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War Persian Gulf War

Wars

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Rocket City, USA!

Blast off!

Rocket City, USA!

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U S A

In 1960, the United States wanted to explore the final frontier—space! The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center was built in Huntsville. It was the first headquarters of NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Huntsville and its research labs, assembly plants, and launch pads became known as Rocket City, USA! Huntsville’s U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers an up-close look at rockets, spaceships, shuttles, lunar landing vehicles, and moon rocks. Visitors can ride the Space Shot, a heart-pounding ride up a 180-foot (55-meter) tower to experience a few seconds of weightlessness—just like real space! The ultimate “mission” includes a trip to Space Camp, where for three days kids of all ages (even grown-up ones) can experience astronaut-training activities to find out what astronauts do in space. “Astronauts for the day” even go on a “pretend” space shuttle mission!

Indian Tribes ● ● ● ●

Creek Choctaw Chickasaw Cherokee

The U.S. Government acquired land through treaties that forced Native Americans to cede (give up) their lands and move west to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Today, more than 16,000 Native Americans live on the Poarch Creek Reservation near Indian Atmore. Tribal members and their families Tribes welcome friends and visitors to celebrate the annual Thanksgiving Day Pow Wow. Activities at the pow wow include tribal dances, a greased pig chase, and turkey shoot. Native American arts The Indians of and crafts are displayed. Alabama could not Foods for feasting include have known that the coming of the white roasted corn, Indian fry bread, man would mean an fried chicken, ham, or turkey end to the way of life they had known and dressing—something for hundreds for everyone! of years.

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Explorers and Settlers

Here, There, Everywhere! ALONSO ÁLVAREZ DE PIÑEDA—first Spanish explorer to see Alabama; sailed into Mobile Bay in 1519 HERNANDO DE SOTO—Spanish explorer came looking for land and gold; arrived in Alabama in 1540; brutalized Native Americans; fought Chief Tuscaloosa (Black Warrior) and his Choctaw people—thousands died Explorers and Settlers

TRISTÁN DE LUNA—Spanish explorer looking for gold; attempted to start a colony near Mobile Bay, unsuccessful and abandoned after three years

N Bon Voyage!

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E

W

S

State Founders

Founding Fathers Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville and his brother, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville of France—sent by King Louis XIV to govern the Louisiana Territory; landed on Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay in 1699; established territorial capital, Fort Louis de la Mobile, in 1702 William Wyatt Bibb—physician, politician, in 1819, became first state governor of Alabama; helped form state government

Founding Mothers Julia Strudwick Tutwiler—educator and social reformer; helped establish many State Founders girls’ schools and successfully fought for women to be admitted to the University of Alabama; worked for prison reform; wrote the words to “Alabama,” the state song Alva Smith Belmont—recognized authority on architecture; worked to improve hospitals, abolish child labor, improve working conditions for women, gain suffrage for women; founded Political Equality Association; established first agricultural training school for women; organized free soup kitchens

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Famous African-Americans BOOKER TALIAFERRO WASHINGTON— educator, author, lecturer; born a slave in Virginia; educated at Hampton Institute; organized Tuskegee Institute; organized National Negro Business League; worked for economic equality for African-Americans through education and employment GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER—educator, botanist; recognized internationally for agricultural research; developed hundreds of products from peanuts and sweet potatoes; director of the Department of Agricultural Research at Tuskegee Institute; received NAACP Spingarn Medal, received Theodore Roosevelt Medal; established Carver Foundation for chemistry research MAE JEMISON—first African-American woman astronaut, launched into space aboard the shuttle Endeavor Famous AfricanAmericans

LUCIUS AMERSON—first African-American sheriff JOHNNY FORD—first African-American mayor in Alabama; founded National Conference of Black Mayors The citizens of Tuskegee supported the building of the Tuskegee Institute. They donated their time, materials, and effort to make the school a reality!

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The hard-fought battles for civil rights raged for years in Alabama. Many courageous African-Americans such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, and Rosa Parks led the fight for equal rights! Today, the people of Alabama are working to create a better future for all Alabamians!

Ghosts The Red Lady of Huntingdon College

D O Y

O

U

As the ghostly story goes… a young lady named Martha attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery in the early 1900s. Martha wasn’t happy at Huntingdon College, but her powerful father forced her to stay. Martha loved the color red. She dressed in red from head to toe and decorated her dorm room all in red. Martha was unhappy and shy, and she acted pretty strange—so she didn’t have any friends. Martha was so unhappy that she finally took her own life by slashing her wrists. The college president became worried about Martha and was horrified to find her dead, in a pool of blood in her dorm room. Martha can still be seen walking the halls of Huntingdon College dressed all in red! On her birthday each year, an eerie red glow can be seen in her room!

B ELIEVE

IN

Ghosts

G H O S T S?

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Sports Stuff HANK AARON—professional baseball Hall of Famer; holds home run record; received NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for his fight against racial prejudice in professional baseball WILLIE MAYS, BO JACKSON, WILLIE McCOVEY, LEROY “SATCHEL” PAIGE, and DON SUTTON—professional baseball greats JENNIFER CHANDLER-JONES—diving, Olympic gold medal winner PAUL “BEAR” BRYANT—one of America’s greatest college football coaches, coached University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide KEN STABLER, JOHN STALLWORTH, BART STARR, JOE NAMATH, KEVIN GREENE, OZZIE NEWSOME—professional football greats Sports Stuff

JESSE OWENS, CARL LEWIS—track and field champions, Olympic gold medal winners BOBBY, DAVEY, and CLIFFORD ALLISON— professional racecar drivers

JOE LOUIS—professional boxer known as “Brown Bomber,” world heavyweight boxing champion JOHN WILLIAM HEISMAN—football coach at Auburn University; Heisman Trophy given to most outstanding college football player is named in his honor

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Talladega Superspeedway near Birmingham is a 2.66-mile (4.3-kilometer) tri-oval raceway that hosts the NASCAR races. Drivers round the track at speeds close to 200 miles (322 kilometers) per hour!

Entertainers HANK WILLIAMS—country music legend, known as the Father of Modern Country Music; his son, Hank Williams, Jr. is a Grammywinning country artist W.C. HANDY—rhythm and blues legend, known as the Father of the Blues; prestigious honor for blues artist, the W.C. Handy Award is named in his honor BRETT BUTLER • PAULA POUNDSTONE— comediennes ALABAMA—country music group TAMMY WYNETTE • EMMYLOU HARRIS • SONNY JAMES— country entertainers JIMMY BUFFETT • JIMMIE RODGERS • BOBBY GOLDSBORO— singers, musicians DEAN JONES • WAYNE ROGERS • GEORGE LINDSEY—actors JIM NABORS—actor, singer JOHN NED “JOHNNY” SHINES—blues musician, received Alabama Folk Heritage Award

Entertainers

PERCY SLEDGE • LIONEL RICHIE • THE COMMODORES— R&B, soul singers CLEVELAND EATON • DINAH WASHINGTON • LIONEL HAMPTON—jazz musicians BIBI BLACK—classical trumpet player NAT “KING” COLE—singer and musician; known as the man with the velvet voice; first African-American performer to have a radio program and national TV show TALLULAH BANKHEAD • LOUISE FLETCHER • KATE JACKSON • COURTENEY COX ARQUETTE • NELL CARTER—actresses

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Authors ✒ Fannie Flagg—author, wrote Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe; movie, Fried Green Tomatoes based on her book ✒ Winston Groom—author, wrote Forrest Gump; made into Academy Award-winning movie starring Tom Hanks ✒ Mark Childress—author of Joshua and Bigtooth ✒ Dennis Covington—author, wrote Lasso the Moon ✒ Nelle Harper Lee—author, her only published novel was To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee grew up in Alabama during the Great Depression. One childhood experience made quite an impact on her. The events from the Scottsboro Case formed the basis for Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which was made into an Academy Award-winning movie and later into a powerful stage play. Authors

✒ W.E. Butterworth—author of more than 100 books, many for children; wrote LeRoy and the Old Man and Susan and Her Classic Convertible

✒ ALABAMA POETS LAUREATE: • Helen Friedman Blackshear • Carl Patrick Morton • Morton Dennison Prouty, Jr. • Ralph Hammond • William Young Elliott • Mary B. Ward • Bert Henderson • Samuel Minturn Peck

RIDDLE? One of the leading characters in

Harper Lee’s famous novel has a name that rhymes with doubt. What is it?

Answer: Scout 60

Artists NORA EZELL—quilt maker; uses traditional wedding ring, log cabin, and bear’s paw patterns as well as her own innovative storytelling designs; has received numerous awards including National Heritage Fellowship and Alabama Folk Heritage Award LOMIA NUNN—traditional basketmaker; learned art of basketmaking from her father who made cotton baskets for farmers; received Alabama Folk Heritage Award BETTYE KIMBRELL—one of the South’s most outstanding quilters known for her precise needlework; techniques include difficult stippling and trapunto; learned quilting from her grandmother; founded North Jefferson Quilter’s Guild; received Alabama Folk Heritage Maybe I’ll win the Folk Award

Artists

Heritage Award.

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Very Important People ALEXANDER McGILLIVRAY—Creek leader, worked to unite his people and protect Native American lands from settlers DR. PETER BRYCE—Alabama’s first psychiatrist CORETTA SCOTT KING—civil-rights leader, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; fought for civil rights alongside her husband and continued the fight after his assassination in 1968 RALPH ABERNATHY—civil-rights activist N. JAN DAVIS—astronaut DAVID SATCHER—surgeon general Very Important People

JOSEPH HENRY JOHNSON—social worker, educator, founder of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

GAIL THROWER—Poarch Creek Native American, serves as tribal historian/librarian on reservation near Atmore; only granddaughter of the last tribal medicine man; gives talks and demonstrations on Creek heritage to schools and other groups; received Alabama Folk Heritage Award WILLIAM CRAWFORD GORGAS—physician and public health expert, Army officer; pioneer in elimination of yellow fever, malaria, and bubonic plague PERCY LAVON JULIAN—chemist, inventor

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More Very Important People HEATHER WHITESTONE—Miss America of 1995, first Miss America chosen with a disability—Miss Whitestone is deaf RAPHAEL SEMMES—lawyer, naval officer, commanded Confederate destroyer, Alabama DR. LUTHER LEONIDAS HILL—surgeon, in 1902 performed first open heart surgery in the Western Hemisphere when he sutured a stab wound in a young boy’s heart; operation was performed in Montgomery RED EAGLE (WILLIAM WEATHERFORD)—Creek leader GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON—defeated Creeks in 1814; following their defeat, the Native Americans ceded their land to the U.S. government—almost half of the present state of Alabama More Very JOHN HUNT MORGAN—military officer, Confederate general

Important People

ROBERT JEMISON VAN DE GRAAFF— physicist, invented device used in nuclear research MARVA COLLINS—educator WINTON “RED” BLOUNT—businessman, U.S. postmaster general ELI WHITNEY—invented cotton gin, significantly increased amount of cotton and harvest speed

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Political Leaders ● Hugo LaFayette Black—U.S. senator, Supreme Court justice; supported government protection of civil rights ● John Hollis Bankhead—politician, U.S. representative, U.S. senator; helped develop first national automobile highway system; led legislation for Tennessee River flood control and transportation system ● Richard Arrington—African-American mayor of Birmingham ● John Hollis Bankhead, Jr.—politician, U.S. senator ● William Brockman Bankhead—U.S. representative, Speaker of the House ● George Wallace—lawyer, politician, four-term governor ● Benjamin Sterling Turner—politician, first AfricanAmerican U.S. representative from Alabama Political Leaders

● Braxton Bragg Comer—Alabama’s Education Governor; built high school in every county, increased size of universities

● Lurleen Burns Wallace—wife of George Wallace, first woman governor of Alabama ● William Lowndes Yancey—U.S. representative known as “The Orator of Secession” ● Joseph Wheeler—Confederate Army officer known as “Fighting Joe,” U.S. representative ● John Sparkman—U.S. representative, U.S. senator, Democratic nominee for U.S. vice president

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A Woman of Vision!

Miracle Child

Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama—healthy and energetic. At 18 months, a fever left her blind and deaf. Helen was wild and unruly, a child alone in a dark, silent “no world.” A day in March 1887 was “the most important day she remembered in all her life.” Miss Annie Sullivan, the miracle worker, arrived. Helen’s parents, Captain Arthur H. and Kate Keller, hired Miss Sullivan to find a way to reach Helen. And reach Helen she did! The award-winning story of how “Teacher” taught Helen to “talk” is known to millions. Helen Keller learned to write, to speak, to read lips—she even learned foreign languages! Helen graduated cum laude in 1904 from A Woman Radcliffe College, the first deaf-blind person in of Vision! history to graduate from college! Helen spent the rest of her life helping others—the poor, the disabled. She fought for women’s rights and equal The Miracle Worker is rights for minorities, for the State Outdoor worker’s rights, and social Drama and is performed issues. She wrote 13 books, each summer at Ivy Green, Helen’s contributed to magazines Tuscumbia home. The and newspapers, became pump where Helen a spokesperson for the realized W-A-T-E-R and American Foundation for the everything else in the Blind, and lectured in many world has a name, is still on the grounds! countries across the globe!

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Churches and Schools

Keeping the Faith Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile Christ Episcopal Church, Mobile Government Street Presbyterian Church, Mobile St. John’s Episcopal Church, Montgomery Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Anniston

SCHOOLS Auburn University, Auburn, Montgomery Huntingdon College, Montgomery

Churches and Schools

Jacksonville State University Troy State University, Troy, Dothan, Montgomery

Tuskegee University University of Alabama, Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa University of North Alabama, Florence University of South Alabama, Mobile

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Historic Sites and Parks

HISTORIC SITES ★ State Capitol, Montgomery—Colonialstyle building built in 1850–1851 with later additions; bronze star marks spot where Jefferson Davis took oath of office as president of the Confederate States of America ★ Alabama Constitution Village, Huntsville— commemorates location of 1819 Constitutional Convention ★ Moundville Archaeological Park, south of Tuscaloosa— prehistoric mounds and cultural artifacts ★ Russell Cave National Monument, Bridgeport—one of longest and most complete archaeological records in eastern United States; contains prehistoric artifacts and skeleton of prehistoric man ★ Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, Tuskegee ★ Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Selma—memorials highlight history of voting rights movement

PARKS ★ Cheaha State Park, Talladega National Forest— contains Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest peak

Historic Sites and Parks

★ Blue Springs State Park—underground springs ★ DeSoto State Park—one of deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River ★ Gulf State Park—white sandy beaches and a long fishing pier ★ Monte Sano State Park—includes Natural Well, a large deep, circular hole (How deep? No one knows!) ★ Oak Mountain State Park—Alabama’s largest state park

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Home, Sweet Home! ★ First White House of the Confederacy, Montgomery— home of Confederate President and Mrs. Jefferson Davis ★ Magnolia Grove, Greensboro—antebellum home, Greek Revival mansion, birthplace of Rear Admiral Richmond Pearson Hobson ★ Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore— home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, Mobile’s first Coca-Cola bottlers ★ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia—birthplace of Helen Keller ★ Oakleigh Period Museum House, Mobile— features Antebellum Period House Museum, neoclassical-style home of Mobile merchant James W. Roper Home, Sweet Home!

★ Sturdivant Hall, Selma—antebellum plantation, neoclassical-style mansion

★ W.C. Handy Home and Museum, Florence— birthplace of blues composer W.C. Handy; includes handwritten music, trumpet, and piano on which he wrote “St. Louis Blues”

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Battles and Forts A few of Alabama’s famous

Battles

● Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Daviston—site where General Andrew Jackson defeated Creek Nation ● Historic Blakeley State Park, Spanish Fort— site of last major Civil War battle, battlefield has been preserved

A few of Alabama’s famous

Forts

● Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Gulf Shores—

one of last Confederate forts to fall to Union forces ● Fort Condé, Mobile—built by French

government, later headquarters for French, British, and Spanish troops

Battles and Forts

● Fort Toulouse-Jackson National

Historic Park, Wetumpka—built by General Andrew Jackson following defeat of Creek Nation ● Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island—fort

at Mobile Bay that was captured by Union Admiral Daniel Farragut’s forces after Civil War naval and land battle that lasted for more than three weeks

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Libraries Check out the following special Alabama libraries! (Do you have a library card? Have you worn it out yet?!) • Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, University of Alabama—outstanding references on history and culture of Alabama • Birmingham Public Library • Lawrence Reynolds Library, University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham— houses rare medical books • Alabama Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville—extensive collection on aviation and space exploration • Mobile Public Library • Huntsville Public Library • Montgomery Public Library Libraries Montgomery’s Department of Archives and History was the nation’s first library to become part of a state government.

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Zoos and Attractions Montgomery Zoo—rare animals; natural and man-made barriers allow visitors a close-up view of the animals without cages; free-flight aviary Little River Canyon National Preserve, Blanche—spectacular canyon is one of deepest gorges east of Mississippi River Huntsville Botanical Garden—woodland paths, meadows, aquatic area Mobile-Tensaw River Bottomlands, Mobile—contains variety of habitats from floodplain and freshwater swamp to brackish marsh; provides habitats for endangered species Natural Bridge, Winston County—longest natural bridge east of Rocky Mountains Dismals Canyon, Phil Campbell—was once a ceremonial ground for Native Americans and a hideout for outlaws; caves, waterfalls, forests, craggy rock formations, rainbows, and phosphorescent creatures called “dismalites” that glow in the dark; National Natural Landmark Botanical Gardens, Birmingham—one of the largest publicly owned botanical gardens in the U.S. Beaverdam Creek Swamp, Decatur—pure tupelo gum tree swamp located in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge; National Natural Landmark Zoos and Attractions

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Museums ● National Voting Rights Museum, Selma ● Birmingham Museum of Art ● ALABAMA Fan Club and Museum, Fort Payne— commemorates success of local country music band; includes personal items and awards ● Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery—home of authors Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald ● Anniston Museum of Natural History— dinosaurs, fossils, Egyptian mummies, and more ● Hank Williams, Sr. Boyhood Home and Museum, Georgiana ● Women’s Army Corps Museum, Anniston ● Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery ● Museum of Mobile—history of Gulf Coast’s oldest city ● Paul W. Bryant Museum, Tuscaloosa—honors coach and players of University of Alabama’s championship football teams ● Southern Museum of Flight, Birmingham—remembers 80 years of aviation history, including achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen ● U.S. Army Aviation Museum, Fort Rucker ● Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham

Museums

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Monuments and Memorials

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile Fort Mitchell National Cemetery—“Arlington of the South” Alabama War Memorial, Montgomery—American Legion memorial honors Alabamians who gave their lives in U.S. wars Civil Rights Memorial, Montgomery—honors 40 people who lost their lives in the fight for racial equality Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, Civil War Site—built in 1862; produced iron for Confederate weapons Confederate Memorial Park, Marbury— Alabama’s only Confederate cemetery Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Selma— ruins of Alabama’s first permanent capital

Monuments and Memorials

Huntsville Depot—served as war hospital and quarters for Union soldiers Tannehill Ironworks Historic State Park, McCalla— living history park surrounds ironworks destroyed by Union raid in 1865

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The Arts

On with the Show! Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Broadway Theatre League, Huntsville Looney’s Amphitheater, Winston County Fantasy Playhouse, Huntsville Birmingham Children’s Theatre—one of the largest children’s theaters in the nation State of Alabama Ballet, Birmingham Birmingham Opera Theater The Arts

To be, or not to be involved in the arts—that is the question. What is your answer?

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Operas are performed in Mobile, Huntsville, and Fort Payne; Mobile’s opera company has children’s programs called Opera a-la-Carte and Kids Creating Opera

Halls of Fame Alabama has many special Halls of Fame for many special Hall of Famers: Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham— museum documents the history of jazz from boogie-woogie to the present Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia— inductees include ALABAMA, Nat “King” Cole, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Sr., Lionel Richie, and Emmylou Harris Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Birmingham— commemorates Alabama’s greatest sports legends; displays original memorabilia from more than 180 members; honorees include Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Joe Namath, Bobby Allison, and Jennifer Chandler-Jones

Halls of Fame

International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Talladega—more than 100 racing vehicles and memorabilia dating back to 1902 are on display 75

Roads, Bridges, and More!

Roads Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi state line through Alabama to Tennessee state line— highway follows 18th-century wilderness road (or trace) used by Native Americans, settlers, thieves, rascals, and rogues Lookout Mountain Parkway, Gadsden to Tennessee state line—includes waterfalls and covered bridges Selma to Montgomery March Byway—follows route of 1965 march for voting rights led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Covered Bridges Alamuchee-Bellamy Bridge, Livingston Coldwater Bridge, Anniston Gilliland-Reese Bridge, Gadsden Hortons Mill Bridge, Oneonta Kymulga Bridge, Childersburg Oakachoy Bridge, Equality Pumpkin Hollow Bridge, Sterrett Swann Bridge, Cleveland Roads, Bridges, and More!

Trails

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, Bridgeport—water route of brutal, forced march of Native Americans from their homelands in Alabama to Indian Territory out West

Sipsey Wilderness Trails, Bankhead National Forest— explore isolated wilderness, sandstone cliffs, gorges, and waterfall Bartram National Recreation Trail, Tuskegee National Forest—commemorates travels of naturalist William Bartram during the 1700s

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Swamps and Caverns DeSoto Caverns Park, Childersburg— cave that once served as a shelter for Alabama’s Native Americans now features laser light and sound shows inside Onyx Cathedral Rickwood Caverns State Park, near Blount Springs— 260-million-year-old limestone formations are seen from underground passageways Sequoyah Caverns, Valley Head—caves are named for Chief Sequoyah and resemble an underground palace; “Looking-glass” lakes, Rainbow Falls, and towering stalagmites are found underground The National Speleological Society’s headquarters are located in Huntsville. QUESTION: • Which is the stalagmite? • Which is the stalactite?

Word Definition

Answer: Stalactites are long, tapering formations hanging from the roof of a cavern, produced by continuous watery deposits containing certain minerals. The mineral-rich water dripping from stalactites often forms conical stalagmites on the floor below.

Swamps and Caverns

SPELEOLOGY: the scientific study and exploration of caves SPELUNKER: a person who goes exploring caves for fun

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Animals

Alabama’s Animals include:

Squirrel Fox Opossum Rabbit Deer Skunk Bear Beaver Alligator

Mink Muskrat Raccoon Mouse Bat Snake Otter Woodchuck

Animals

Alabama has only a few large mammals. The black bear lives in the swampy areas in the south, and white-tailed deer live in the northwest and southwest.

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Wildlife Watch Some endangered Alabama animals are: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Gray bat Indiana bat Alabama cavefish Boulder darter Watercress darter American peregrine falcon West Indian manatee Alabama beach mouse Perdido Key beach mouse Cumberland monkeyface mussel Purple cat’s paw pearlymussel Southern pigtoe Anthony’s riversnail Cahaba shiner Alabama cave shrimp Wood stork Alabama red-bellied turtle (state reptile) ● Red-cockaded woodpecker

Plants can be endangered, too! Alabama’s carnivorous green pitcher plant is endangered! Carnivorous means it eats meat (like insects). That’s a switch—a plant that eats the insect, instead of the insect eating the plant!

Wildlife Watch

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Birds You may spy these

birds in Alabama:

Duck ● Goose ● Wild turkey ● Yellowhammer (state bird) ● Golden eagle ● Osprey ● Bobwhite ● Whippoorwill ● Mockingbird ● Cardinal ● Hummingbird ● Sparrow ● Goldfinch ● Swallow ● Thrasher ● Heron ● Robin ● Hawk A hummingbird’s ● Crow wings beat 75 Birds times a second— ● Owl ●

so fast that you only see a blur! They make short squeaky sounds, but do not sing.

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Insects ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Don’t let these Alabama bugs bug you!

Mayfly Dragonfly Damselfly Grasshopper Ants Katydid Bumblebee Cricket Praying mantis Giant water bug Spittlebug Ant Praying Butterfly Beetle mantis Firefly Weevil Butterfly Moth Grasshopper Mosquito Fly Ladybug Yellow jacket Honeybee Bumblebee

Do we know any of these bugs?

Maybe... Hey, that ladybug is cute!

Whirligig beetles have two pairs of eyes—one pair looks above the water, the other under it!

Insects

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Fish SWIMMING IN ALABAMA’S WATERS: Crappie Bream Catfish Shad Drumfish Redfin pickerel Bluegill Minnow Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass

Fish

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Sea Critters IN ALABAMA’S SEAS, YOU MAY SEE: Shrimp Pompano Tarpon Mullet Red snapper Crab Oyster Dolphin Mackerel Bluefish Bonita Sturgeon Redfish

Bottlenose dolphins send messages to each other by whistling and squealing. They will help an injured dolphin get to the surface so it can breathe!

Sea Critters

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Seashells She sell s

s sea hells by the Alabama seasho

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Nerites Periwinkle Conch Slipper shell Worm shell Cowie Moon shell

Seashells

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● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Wentletrap Janthina Whelk Cone shell Vampire shell Bubble shell Mussel

Vampire snails suck the blood of their prey, usually without killing it. Yuck! One type of vampire snail “preys” on sharks sleeping on the bottom of the ocean.

● ● ● ● ● ●

re!

Oyster Scallop Cockle Coquina Angel wings Shipworm

Did they say vampire snail?

Trees These trees tower over Alabama: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Southern longleaf pine (state tree) Bald cypress (draped in Spanish moss) Chestnut oak Loblolly pine Shortleaf pine Southern red oak Chinkapin oak Yellow poplar Slash pine Magnolia Hickory Cedar Hemlock Black gum Sweet gum Tupelo gum Trees

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Wildflowers s? flower a Are you cra bam zy a bout these Ala

• Violet • Mountain laurel • Mistletoe • Goldenrod • Evening primrose • Indian paintbrush • White Cherokee rose • Black-eyed susan • Oak-leaf hydrangea

• Orchid • Prairie clover • Daisy • Dutchman’s breeches • Jack-in-the-pulpit • Azalea • Lily • Queen Anne’s lace

(state wildflower)

• Buttercup • Rhododendron • Butter-and-eggs

Wildflowers

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Do you ever think you would eat Butter-and-eggs for a sore throat? Early settlers used this beautiful yellow and orange flower to make a medicine that soothed a scratchy throat!

Flower Power!

Cream of the Crops Agricultural products from Alabama:

Seafood

Potatoes Dairy Cattle

Hay Pecans

Hogs

Poultry & Eggs

Soybeans

Also: Wheat Oats Sorghum Peanuts Corn

Milk Cotton

Cream of the Crops

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First/Big/Small/Etc. Alabamians built the first rocket to put astronauts on the moon. November 13, 1833 was the night the stars fell. More than 200,000 meteors per hour flew through the sky that night. Nature treated Alabama to an amazing astronomical fireworks display! A popular song, “Stars Fell on Alabama” was written about the meteor shower—one hundred years later! In 1886, the world’s first electric trolley system was introduced in Montgomery. The only state with all the major natural resources needed to make iron and steel is Alabama. The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro is the one place where the entire nation’s lost, unclaimed baggage is sent. It’s a great place for bargain hunters! The Boll Weevil Monument is in the town of Enterprise. It acknowledges the role this destructive little insect played in encouraging farmers to grow crops other than cotton. Washington County is Alabama’s oldest county. Alabama brought Mardi Gras to the western world. Mardi Gras is held on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. Sequoyah, a Cherokee leader, created the written alphabet of the Cherokee language.

First/Big/ Small/Etc.

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The oldest solar research facility in the Southeast is housed at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Festivals and Events

Celeb

rate!!!

Mardi Gras, Mobile Azalea Spectacular, Mobile Zoo Weekend, Montgomery Selma Pilgrimage Weekend Birmingham Festival of Arts W.C. Handy Music Festival, Florence Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Athens State College Birmingham Rose Show Panoply, Huntsville Alabama Renaissance Faire, Florence Chilton County Peach Festival, Clanton Diehard 500 in Talladega River Boat Regatta, Guntersville South Alabama State Fair, Montgomery National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores National Peanut Festival, Dothan Southern Wildlife Festival, Decatur Native American Festival, Moundville Covered Bridge Festival, Oneonta Gerhart Chamber Music Festival, Guntersville The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world! It was founded in Anniston in 1972 and moved to Montgomery in 1985 after Winton and Carolyn Blount donated money to build the new performing arts complex. An English-style park surrounds the building.

Festivals and Events

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Holidays

Calendar Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 3rd Monday in January

Groundhog Day, February 2

Presidents’ Day, 3rd Monday in February

Memorial Day, last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October

Veterans Day, November 11

Thanksgiving, 4th Thursday in November

Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa are very special celebrations in Alabama. Holidays

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its Alabama celebrates on admission to the U.S. December 14th!

Famous Food Alabama is famous for the following foods!

Yumm, yumm. This is great!

● Cahaba Hots ● Fried green tomatoes ● Fried chicken ● Homemade biscuits ● Country ham ● Collards ● Fried dill pickles ● Peanuts (105 different ways) ● Bread pudding ● Fried apple dumplings ● Banana pudding ● Seafood gumbo ● Cajun crawfish ● Hickory-smoked pit-barbecue

Let’s dig in!

● Barbecued potatoes ● Shrimp and corn chowder ● Chocolate roulage (chocolate cake) ● Baked grits ● Sweet potato soufflé ● Red beans and rice ● Fried okra ● Hush puppies ● Fried catfish ● Cole slaw ● Corn bread Famous ● Roasted corn Food ● Indian fry bread ● Mardi Gras fudge ● Rice pudding

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Business & Trade

Alabama Works! Alabama has a diverse economy with many industries contributing to the gross state product, the total value of all goods and services produced in a year. Alabama’s industries include manufacturing, retail sales, agriculture, high-technology, mining, fishing, and timber. Tourism brings in more than $3 billion to Alabama’s economy every year! Service industries also provide many jobs for Alabamians. Shipping is an important part of the state’s economy. The port of Mobile is a major distribution point for coal and petroleum products.

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In 1933, the U.S. government created the Tennessee Valley Authority to help control floods, improve navigation, produce electricity, reforest lands, and encourage agricultural and industrial development. This federal act greatly improved the everyday life of Alabama residents!

Alabama Books & Websites My First Book About Alabama by Carole Marsh America the Beautiful: Alabama by Lucile Davis Kids Learn America by Patricia Gordon and Reed C. Snow From Sea to Shining Sea: Alabama by Dennis Brindell Fradin Let’s Discover the States: Alabama by the Aylesworths The Alabama Experience Series by Carole Marsh Hello U.S.A.: Alabama by Dottie Brown

Cool Alabam a Webs

ites

http://www.sta te.al.us http://www.ala bamaexperience .com http://www.50s tates.com http://www.net state.com http://www.kid s.infoplease.lyco s.com

Alabama Books & Websites

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Glossary

Alabama

G LO S S A R Y W O R D S

Glossary

Glossary

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boycott: refuse to buy, sell, or use something cavern: large cave commemorate: to honor constitution: document outlining the role of a government economy: distribution and interplay of wealth and materials within a system emancipation: to be set free endangered: in danger of becoming extinct or no longer living immigrant: person who comes to a new country to live miracle: an amazing or remarkable thing navigable: wide and deep enough for ships to travel on prehistoric: time before history was written reconstruct: to rebuild as before secede: voluntarily give up being a part of an organized group

Spelling List

Alabama Spelling Bee

SPELLING WORDS

Here are some special Alabama-related words to learn! To take the Spelling Bee, have someone call out the words and you spell them aloud or write them on a piece of paper.

Alabama camellia Cheaha Cherokee Chickasaw Choctaw civil rights Confederacy Creek equality

flood magnolia Montgomery peanuts rocket Shakespeare Spain steel vote yellowhammer Spelling List

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About the Author

About the Author... CAROLE MARSH has been writing about Alabama for more than 20 years. She is the author of the popular Alabama State Stuff Series for young readers and creator along with her son, Michael Marsh, of Alabama Facts and Factivities, a CD-ROM widely used in Alabama schools. The author of more than 100 Alabama books and other supplementary educational materials on the state, Marsh is currently working on a new collection of Alabama materials for young people. Marsh correlates her Alabama materials to the Alabama learning standards. Many of her books and other materials have been inspired by or requested by Alabama teachers and librarians. You know… that was a great experience!

About the Author

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Sure was! Thanks for taking me along.

EDItorial Assistant:

Billie Walburn

GRAphic Designer: DEsigner: Graphic

Cecil Anderson

Good Uses For Your State Pocket Guide: Study for tests! Prepare reports! Find quick answers! Amaze your friends! Impress adults! Win trivia games! Get Smart and Have Fun!!

“This is the BEST, most thorough, most FUN little book about our state!”

The perfect reference guide for students in grades 3 and up—or anyone! This handy, easy-to-use guide is divided into 7 color-coded sections. Riddles, recipes and surprising facts make this guide a delight!

www.gallopade.com 1-800-536-2GET

Come with us—explore your state!

See you inside!

This small handheld computer is your guide within a guide! All through this book it will offer fascinating little facts about your state!