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

Temperatures tend to be warmer in the southern part of Alabama due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, while the northern parts, especially in the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast, tend to be slightly cooler.

Snowfall is less frequent along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, sometimes going several years without any snowfall.

Politically, as part of the Deep South, Alabama is predominantly a conservative state and is known for its Southern culture.

Among the historical tribes living in present-day Alabama at the time of European contact were the Cherokee, an Iroquoian language people; and the Muskogean-speaking Alabama (Alibamu), Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Koasati.

The Alabama Territory was created by the United States Congress on March 3, 1817.

Alabama ranks ninth in the number of deaths from lightning and tenth in the number of deaths from lightning strikes per capita.

The peak tornado season varies across Alabama, with a primary season in the spring and a secondary season in November and December.

Alabama was recognized as a state in December 1819.

Alabama has diverse geography, with the north dominated by the mountainous Tennessee Valley and the south by Mobile Bay, a historically significant port.