The Year of Alabama

Alabama is 52,237 square miles, making it the 30^th largest state in the country. It has 4.5 million residents divided among 4 geographical regions: Mountains, Metropolitan, River Heritage and Gulf Coast. This southeastern state joined the union in 1819.

The year 2010 has been designated “The Year of Alabama.” The state is celebrating its history and outdoor landscapes with events to commemorate its southern heritage.

Alabama has a strong economic base with agriculture, manufacturing, technology and mineral extraction as its main industries. With 32 miles of white beaches on the Gulf Coast, Alabama loves to share its southern hospitality with its many tourists and visitors.

Many of them come to visit Talladega Superspeedway, home of one of the most exciting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Birmingham’s Barber Motorsports Park has exciting events of its own as host of the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series and AMA Honda Superbike Championship.

Other popular destinations include Alabama Adventure park in Bessemer U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Berman Museum in Anniston and the Appalachian Mountains, which end in the northern portion of the state.

In the fall, take in a game at the University of Alabama and help its loyal and loud football fans cheer on the Crimson Tide. The football team was established in 1892 and is regularly known as one of the premier teams in the country.

If all of that activity makes you hungry, be sure to check out some of the best restaurants in the Southeast. Alabama is well-known for its fried green tomatoes, fried catfish, grits and sweet potato pie. George Washington Carver spent many years in Alabama perfecting peanut uses and recipes, including the world famous peanut butter cookie.

There are 4 major airports and 6 smaller regional ones serving the Yellowhammer State. Montgomery is the state capital, and Birmingham is the largest city. Montgomery was the first U.S. city to use streetcars for transportation, establishing its system  in 1886.

Famous sons and daughters of Alabama include baseball player Hank Aaron, crooner Nat “King” Cole, astronaut Mae Jemison and civil rights activists Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King.