If you haven’t had a chance to explore your new state yet (or if you’ve lived here for years and just haven’t gotten around to it), you’re missing out! According to World Population Review, these are the cities with the largest populations in Alabama as of January 2022. Let’s learn a little more about what they have to offer and what makes each one special.
About: The City ofBirmingham started out as a merger between three existing farm towns and quickly grew to be the center of the area’s iron and steel industry, as well as railroading. It lasted as an industrial hub through the 1960s when the economy started focusing more on areas like banking and telecommunications. Birmingham also played a large role in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama as far as population goes. It’s home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Attractions: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a great place to visit in Birmingham if you’re interested in learning all about vintage and modern motorcycles. If you want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and Birmingham’s role in it, we suggest checking out the informative Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Vulcan Park and Museum is another place you can visit to learn more about Birmingham and the area’s industrial history. Don’t forget to consider visiting the Birmingham Zoo when you’re making your plans— it’s a must-see!
Fun Fact: Birmingham is the only place in the entire world where iron ore, coal, and limestone can be found in close proximity.
About: Huntsville originally started out as a town that made its money off of cotton and railroad trade. It became a textile center after the Civil War and slowly transitioned into a city that’s known for its involvement in space and biotechnology— it’s even nicknamed the “Rocket City.” Huntsville is currently the second-largest technology and research park in the United States, and it’s also home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Attractions: If you’re visiting Huntsville, you should make sure to plan a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to learn all about space and Huntsville’s important role in it. You may also want to stop by the Huntsville Botanical Garden to check out some of the area’s flora and fauna. Monte Sano State Park is another great place to visit if you want to take in all of the natural beauty Huntsville has to offer.
Fun Fact: Huntsville was the first incorporated town in what is now Alabama, and it was the state’s first capital when Alabama was admitted to the Union.
About: Montgomery began as a merger between two river towns that thrived off of the cotton trade industry. In 1846, it became Alabama’s capital. It also became the first capital of the Confederate States of America in 1861. Montgomery played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and is the site of important historical events like Rosa Parks’ arrest and attack on the Freedom Riders. It’s also home to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, as well as several colleges and universities like Auburn University at Montgomery and Alabama State University.
Attractions: If you’re a true history buff, Montgomery is the perfect place for you to visit. We suggest checking out the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice for an inside look at Black history and the part Montgomery plays in it. You might also want to consider taking a trip to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum for even more information on Black history and the Civil Rights Movement. Once you’ve had your fill of history, visit the Montgomery Zoo to lay eyes on over 500 amazing animals. We also think you’ll enjoy a visit to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts to check out their permanent and traveling exhibitions.
Fun Fact: Montgomery was the first city in the United States to install citywide electric streetcars.
About: The City of Mobile started off as an important trading post between the French and the Native Americans during the 1700s. It became U.S. territory in the late 1860s and prospered from the cotton industry. Mobile played a large role in WWII as an important shipyard, and a large portion of the city’s economy still depends on shipbuilding today. This city is home to the University of South Alabama, Spring Hill College, and the University of Mobile.
About: The City ofTuscaloosa served as Alabama’s capital between 1826 and 1846. Shortly after, the University of Alabama was founded and became the area’s claim to fame. Today, most of the city’s economy is still based on higher education, but it’s also dependent on other areas like manufacturing and finance.
Attractions: If you’re in town during football season, we highly suggest catching a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium if you can. Even if you aren’t able to snag tickets, you can still get your football fix at the Paul W. Bryant Museum. If you’re interested in learning more about Tuscaloosa’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, consider checking out the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail.
Fun Fact: Tuscaloosa is also known as “Druid City” or “Oak City” because of the oak trees that line the city’s downtown streets.
