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Alabama is the 30th largest state in the United States with 135,775 km2 (52,423 mi2) of total area. 3.19% of that is water, making Alabama 23rd in the amount of surface water, also giving it the second largest inland waterway system in the United States. About three-fifths of the land area is a gentle plain with a general incline towards the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The North Alabama region is mostly mountainous, with the Tennessee River cutting a large valley creating numerous creeks, streams, rivers, mountains, and lakes. The lowest point east of the Mississippi River lies in Dekalb County along a creek cutting tower ridges, and creating Buck's Pocket State Park. Another natural wonder is "Land Bridge" the longest natural bridge span east of the Mississippi River. Alabama generally ranges in elevation from sea level at Mobile Bay, to a little more than 1800 feet or 550 meters in the Appalachian mountains in the northeast. The highest point is Mount Cheaha.
On December 12, 1819 the state of Alabama, also known as the "Heart of Dixie" became the 22nd state admitted into the Untied States of America. The Alabama state flag has a white background with a St. Andrews cross (large red X) in the foreground. The word Alabama comes from a Native American language, believed to be Choctaw, which translates to, "I clear the thicket." Alabama sits on the Gulf of Mexico and has several popular tourist destinations along and coast and in further inland as well.
Alabama played a significant role in the development of the space program. The rocket used by Apollo 11, the first successful flight to the moon, was designed and built in Alabama. The first NASA Space Flight Center was built in Alabama and the first director of the center was an Alabama native. His name was Dr. Wernher Von Braun and he led the U. S. Space program until June 1972. There are still many places throughout Alabama with ties to the Space Program including a Space Camp facility.
Although many people associate Mardi Gras with Louisiana, it was actually the state of Alabama that brought the tradition of the Mardi Gras Festival to the U.S.
In 1703, the city of Mobile was a French Colony. The solders of this colony had just survived a particularly bad yellow fever epidemic and decided to celebrate. So they paint their faces and partied! It became an annual event. 1840 a group known as the Cowbellion de Rakin Society transformed the party into a celebration and parade. Since then the Festival of Lent, or Mardi Gras, has just continued to grow. Every year during the months of February and March the streets of Mobile come alive with music, color and fun.
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On December 12, 1819 the state of Alabama, also known as the "Heart of Dixie" became the 22nd state admitted into the Untied States of America. The Alabama state flag has a white background with a St. Andrews cross (large red X) in the foreground. The word Alabama comes from a Native American language, believed to be Choctaw, which translates to, "I clear the thicket." Alabama sits on the Gulf of Mexico and has several popular tourist destinations along and coast and in further inland as well.
Alabama played a significant role in the development of the space program. The rocket used by Apollo 11, the first successful flight to the moon, was designed and built in Alabama. The first NASA Space Flight Center was built in Alabama and the first director of the center was an Alabama native. His name was Dr. Wernher Von Braun and he led the U. S. Space program until June 1972. There are still many places throughout Alabama with ties to the Space Program including a Space Camp facility.
Although many people associate Mardi Gras with Louisiana, it was actually the state of Alabama that brought the tradition of the Mardi Gras Festival to the U.S.
In 1703, the city of Mobile was a French Colony. The solders of this colony had just survived a particularly bad yellow fever epidemic and decided to celebrate. So they paint their faces and partied! It became an annual event. 1840 a group known as the Cowbellion de Rakin Society transformed the party into a celebration and parade. Since then the Festival of Lent, or Mardi Gras, has just continued to grow. Every year during the months of February and March the streets of Mobile come alive with music, color and fun.
Last edited by Anna (13:49, 24 January 2006)
Oddest Landmarks are found in Alabama
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by ToGO on 13 March 2006
Alabama seems to have a way with it's scrap iron and using every last piece ... it's called resourceful. After seeing an iron pig for 6 years straight, it was refreshing to see a different farm animal down the road ... (Between Montgomery and Dothan)