Birmingham is the medical and financial center of the Southern America. It is rich in history, diverse culture, architecture and beautiful attractions and landmarks that offer the opportunity for relaxation and recreation. Did you know that Birmingham is also referred as the founding city for recognition of Veterans Day? Did you know that it is the only place in the world where all 3 raw ingredients for steel, i.e. iron ore, coal and limestone, occur naturally within a 10-mile radius? Read to know more such interesting facts about Birmingham, AL.
Image By Robert S. Donovan from Sarasota, FL, USA (Magic hour Uploaded by xnatedawgx) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Birmingham Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts
- Birmingham is located in north central part of Alabama, about 300 miles north of Gulf of Mexico.
- It is located in the Jones Valley between the Red Mountain Range and a ridge of hills stretching from northeast to southwest.
- It is the largest city in Alabama, United States.
- It is the county seat of Jefferson County.
- The Ruffner Mountain of Birmingham is the 2nd largest urban nature preserve in the US.
- The ethnic composition of Birmingham, AL includes Black/African American-73.4%, White-22.3%, Native American-01.2%, Asian-1.0%, Latino or Hispanic of any race-3.6%, two or more races-1.0%, and other races-2.1%.
Birmingham History Fast Facts
- In 1871, Birmingham was incorporated by the Elyton Land Company.
- It became the county seat of Jefferson County in 1873.
- In 1874, the Birmingham Iron Age was published.
- Birmingham Commercial Club was founded in 1891.
- In 20th century, the city expanded to include the town of Elyton, Alabama and many surrounding towns.
- In 1963, Birmingham Campaign for Civil Rights Movement started.
- In the 1950s and 60s, the city was considered as a center for civil rights struggle for African American community.
- The city celebrated its centennial in 1971.
- In 1992, Birmingham Civil Rights Institution was founded.
Birmingham Government and Economy Facts
- Birmingham follows mayor-council type of government.
- The major industries of Birmingham were iron and steel production, and railroad industry.
- Other industries with strong presence in Birmingham are manufacturing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, medical care, insurance, and education.
- It is one of the most significant business centers in the Southeastern US.
- It is one of the largest banking centers in the US, with home to 2 major banks- BBVA Compass and Regions Financial Corporation.
- It serves as headquarters to 1 Fortune 500 companies, and 5 Fortune 1000 companies.
- It is also the center of construction and engineering companies, including Robins & Morton, BE&K, B.L. Harbert International and Brasfield & Gorrie.
Birmingham Important and Interesting Facts
- Birmingham is nicknamed as “Pittsburgh of the South” and “The Magic City”.
- According to Partner for Livable Communities (2004), it was one of the most livable mid-sized cities.
- It is the only place in the world where all 3 raw ingredients for steel, i.e. iron ore, coal and limestone, occur naturally within a 10-mile radius.
- Birmingham is home to one of the oldest baseball stadium in the nation- Rickwood Field.
- Birmingham hosts the largest and the oldest Veterans Day Celebration. It is also referred as the founding city for recognition of Veterans Day.
- The city hosts annual Miss Apollo Pageant in November, which is the 2nd largest continuously running drag queen pageant in the US.
- The Red Mountain Park in Birmingham, about 1,200 acres of public space, is one of the biggest urban parks in the US.
- “The Birmingham News” is the major newspaper serving Birmingham.
- The nation’s most successful and popular regional magazine- “Southern Living” is published in Birmingham, Alabama.
