Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
7 facts about Alabama that may surprise you
Reading time: 5 minutes
Alabama may be known for sweet tea and Southern hospitality but the state’s history is packed with surprising firsts record holders and nationally significant moments. From space exploration to wildlife conservation Alabama’s impact reaches far beyond its borders.
Here are seven facts about Alabama that may surprise you.
The rocket that sent humans to the moon was developed in Huntsville
Huntsville played a pivotal role in the Apollo missions that landed humans on the moon. The Saturn V rocket which carried astronauts to the lunar surface was developed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center under the leadership of Wernher von Braun and his team of engineers.
Standing more than 360 feet tall the Saturn V remains the most powerful rocket ever successfully launched. Engineers in Huntsville were responsible for designing and testing the rocket’s propulsion systems making the city a cornerstone of America’s space program. That work during the Apollo era cemented Huntsville’s place in history and earned it the long standing nickname Rocket City.
Alabama has more turtle species than any other state
Alabama is the most turtle diverse state in the United States with more than 30 species found across its rivers wetlands and coastal waters. The Mobile River Basin alone is considered one of the most biologically diverse freshwater systems in North America.
Several turtle species found in Alabama are rare or endangered including the Alabama red bellied turtle which is native only to the state. Because of this biodiversity Alabama plays a critical role in turtle conservation wildlife research and environmental preservation efforts nationwide.
The first 911 call in the United States was made in Alabama
Before 1968 Americans had to dial an operator or know the direct number for local emergency services to get help. That changed on February 16 1968 when the very first 911 call in the United States was placed in Haleyville Alabama.
The call was made as part of a test of the newly created emergency system and marked the first use of the now universal three digit emergency number. The initiative was led by a rural Alabama telephone company whose president Bob Gallagher helped bring the system to life.
From that moment Haleyville became part of national history. Today more than 200 million 911 calls are made each year across the United States.
Windshield wipers were invented in Birmingham
In 1903 Birmingham native Mary Anderson invented the first functional windshield wiper after noticing a trolley driver in New York City struggling to see through rain and sleet. Her design used a manual lever inside the vehicle to control a rubber blade that cleared the windshield.
Mary Anderson patented her invention but it was initially dismissed by automobile manufacturers. After her patent expired in 1920 car companies including Cadillac began incorporating windshield wipers as standard equipment. Today windshield wipers are considered an essential automotive safety feature used worldwide.
Eufaula’s bass fishing reputation is backed by a legendary true story
Eufaula is often called the Big Bass Capital of the World a title supported by both its fishing culture and its history. Located near Lake Eufaula one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the country the town has long attracted anglers from across the nation.
That reputation is also tied to a famous bass named Leroy Brown a real fish caught by legendary fisherman Tom Mann in the 1970s. Instead of releasing or eating the fish Mann kept Leroy Brown as a pet and the bass became a national sensation. The fish appeared in newspapers drew visitors to Eufaula and helped cement the town’s bass fishing identity.
Today visitors can see two tributes downtown a memorial statue honoring Leroy Brown and Manny a towering 12-foot bass statue named in honor of Tom Mann. Together they symbolize how deeply bass fishing is woven into Eufaula’s culture and history.
Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday
In 1836 Alabama became the first state in the nation to officially recognize Christmas as a legal holiday. At the time Christmas was not widely celebrated in many parts of the United States and was even viewed skeptically in some regions.
Alabama’s decision helped set a precedent that other states eventually followed contributing to Christmas becoming a nationally recognized holiday. Today the state’s early recognition is often cited as a unique moment in Alabama’s cultural history.
Bear fighting was not banned in Alabama until 1996
Bear fighting was once a legal and popular spectator sport in Alabama particularly during the early 20th century. The practice often took place at fairs and public events and involved bears being forced to fight dogs or humans for entertainment.
Alabama did not officially ban bear fighting until 1996 making it one of the last states to outlaw the practice. The ban marked a major shift in animal welfare laws and public attitudes toward animal cruelty in the state.
How many of these surprising Alabama facts did you already know? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
