The Spanish were the first Europeans to reach Alabama during their exploration of North America in the 16th century.

During and after World War II, Alabama’s economy diversified with new industries, leading to economic growth.

“Dixie Alley” refers to the area of Alabama and Mississippi that is most affected by tornadoes, as distinct from the Tornado Alley of the Southern Plains.

In the Alabama language, the word for a person of Alabama lineage is Albaamo (or variously Albaama or Albàamo in different dialects; the plural form is Albaamaha).

Alabama’s oldest city is Mobile, which was founded by French colonists (Alabama Creoles) in 1702 as the capital of French Louisiana.

Alabama enjoys a lengthy growing season of up to 300 days in the southern part of the state.

Historical spellings of the word “Alabama” include Alibamo, Alibamu, Limamu, Alibamon, Alibamu, Alabamo, Alebamon, Alibama, Alibamou, Alabamu, and Allibamou.

Suburban Baldwin County, along the Gulf Coast, is the largest county in Alabama in both land area and water area.

Pine forests form the largest proportion of forests in Alabama, which once boasted huge expanses of these forests.