The great southern states are all unique in their own way among the 50 U.S. states. Join us as we explore some amazing Alabama state facts that you probably didn't know. Let's check them out!
1. Alabama brought Mardi Gras to the western world. It is held on Shrove Tuesday which is the day before the Catholic season of Lent begins.
2. It was workers from this state who built the first rocket that would bring humans to the moon.
3. Montgomery was home to the world's first electric trolley system in 1886.
4. This is the largest supplier of cast-iron and steel pipes due to an abundance of natural resources needed to make iron and steel.
5. Montgomery is the state capital and the birthplace of the Confederate States of America.
6. The Confederate flag was designed and first used here as well.
7. Alabama was 22nd state to be admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819.
8. The state sales tax was instituted in 1937 to help fund the education system.
9. Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill performed the first western open heart surgery by suturing a wound in a boy's heart. He performed the surgery in Montgomery.
10. Alabama Governor served four terms in his office.
11. The word "Alabama" means tribal town in the Creek Indian language.
12. Hitler's typewriter survived from the mountain retreat he used to attend, and is now displayed in the Hall of History in Bessemer.
13. Interestingly, Blount County was create on February 7, 1818 and is older than the state itself.
14. The city of Mobile is named after the Mauvilla Indians.
15. The state's official flag was chosen on February 16, 1895.
16. The official insect is the Monarch Butterfly.
17. The official state nut is the pecan.
18. Alabama was the fourth state to secede from the Union in January of 1861.
19. Sequoyah, an Alabaa native, created the phonetic and written alphabet of the Cherokee language.
20. The state motto is Audemus jura nostra defendere which translates to "we dare defend our rights."
These Alabama state facts should help you better understand the rich history and strong culture of this southern state.