History of Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is in the north-central part of Alabama. It is densely inhabited and considered as the state's most inhabited city. Birmingham was named after Birmingham, England, the country's primary source of iron. The city of Birmingham has thrived through troubles in the labor sector and civil rights highs and lows.
Early Days
Birmingham is situated furthest to the south of Appalachian mountain chain. The first colonizers to explore the area were the veterans of Gen. Andrew Jackson's army in 1815. Development was quite slow during the first half of the 19th century due to the lack of a good transport system to bridge early settlements to the other parts of the state. It was only after the Civil War that railroads were established making it possible for establishing a new city.
Cholera hit many southern cities soon after Birmingham became the county seat. People suffered a lot from not having potable water and insufficient sewage facilities. The cool weather of fall ended the epidemic.
Cholera hit many southern cities soon after Birmingham became the county seat. People suffered a lot from not having potable water and insufficient sewage facilities. The cool weather of fall ended the epidemic.
Economic Development
Proprietors of the Pratt Coal and Coke Company, James W. Sloss, Truman H. Aldrich, and Henry F. DeBardeleben, opened the neighboring Pratt mines, initiating the city's recuperation from the 1873 recession. Development continued as James Sloss started building what is popularly known as the City of Furnaces. Further, the Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railroad Company bought properties maintained by Aldrich and Debardeleben that was supported by Louisville and Nashville Railroad. This resulted in increased production of pig iron in the year 1880 to 1890.
Birmingham became the state's major industrial city. Industrial expansions in the 1890s caused the speedy growth of unions, specifically with railroad workers and miners.
The most significant economic growth in Birmingham was the possession of TCI by U.S. Steel. This opened doors for the city and brought resources, especially in the financial aspects.
Birmingham became the state's major industrial city. Industrial expansions in the 1890s caused the speedy growth of unions, specifically with railroad workers and miners.
The most significant economic growth in Birmingham was the possession of TCI by U.S. Steel. This opened doors for the city and brought resources, especially in the financial aspects.
Civil Rights Movement
Birmingham became a safe fortress for African Americans who escaped slavery from white farm owners. By the year 1880, they make up half of Birmingham's industrial laborers. African Americans suffered the system of segregation in Birmingham, making it hard for them both at work and their life in general. Bombings of black homes were mostly racially motivated.
Police Commissioner Eugene Connor, called out the attention of Birmingham for its use of fire hoses and police dogs to fight off activists in early 1963. After weeks of protests, business owners and civil rights leaders came to an amicable agreement that halted some of the barriers caused by extreme segregation.
Police Commissioner Eugene Connor, called out the attention of Birmingham for its use of fire hoses and police dogs to fight off activists in early 1963. After weeks of protests, business owners and civil rights leaders came to an amicable agreement that halted some of the barriers caused by extreme segregation.
Birmingham Today
Today, Birmingham takes pride in having one of the best medical and research centers at the University of Alabama. Birmingham is the center of bioscience and technology and a haven to some of the country's premier construction and engineering companies. Birmingham serves as the largest commercial center in Alabama and the country's largest banking centers.
Demographics
Birmingham is Alabama's most inhabited city. Seventy-two percent of Birmingham's total population is African American, 24.3% are white, and the remaining percentage is identified as Hispanic, Asian, ad Native American.
See this website for more information
See this website for more information