Alabama was named after the Alibamu Indian tribe. The capital of Alabama, Montgomery, was the first capital of the Confederacy (the eleven states that left the Union in 1860 and 1861).
Confederate President Jefferson Davis took his oath of office on February 18, 1861, at the capitol building there. A brass star on the steps shows the place where he stood.
On March 4, 1861, the Confederate flag was flown, for the first time, over that building. The Stars and Bars, as the flag was called, was designed and made by two women from Marion, Alabama.
Because of its central location among the southern states and its key role in the history of the South, Alabama is nicknamed the "Heart of Dixie."
Alabama is the only state that has all of the resources needed to make iron and steel. Large deposits of iron ore, core and limestone are found here.
Official Song of the State of Alabama
Alabama
Written by Julia S. Tutwiler
Composed by Edna Gockel Gussen
Alabama, Alabama, We will aye be true to thee,
From thy Southern shores where groweth,
By the sea thy orange tree.
To thy Northern vale where floweth,
Deep blue the Tennessee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Broad thy stream whose name thou bearest;
Grand thy Bigbee rolls along;
Fair thy Coosa-Tallapoosa
Bold thy Warrior, dark and strong,
Goodlier than the land that Moses
Climbed lone Nebo's Mount to see,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
From thy prairies broad and fertile,
Where thy snow-white cotton shines,
To the hills where coal and iron
Hide in thy exausted mines,
Strong -armed miners -sturdy farmers;
Loyal hearts what'er we be,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
From thy quarries where the marble
White as that of Paros gleams
Waiting till thy sculptor's chisel,
Wake to life thy poet's dreams;
Fear not only wealth of nature,
Wealth of mind has no fee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Where the perfumed south-wind whispers,
Thy magnolia groves among,
Softer than a mother's kisses,
Sweeter than a mother's song,
Where the golden jasmine trailing,
Woos the treasure-laden bee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Brave and pure thy men and women,
Better this than corn and wine
Make us worthy, God in Heaven
Of this goodly land of Thine.
Hearts as open as thy doorways.
Liberal hands and spirits free.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Little, little can I give thee,
Alabama, mother mine.
But that little - hand, brain, spirit.
All I have and am are thine.
Take, O take, the gift and giver.
Take and serve thyself with me.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
"Confederate Memories" Borderset courtesy of
The Cabin
Page created on June 28, 1999
Updated on July 19, 1999
Alabama