Alabama Online
Alabama’s Geography
Alabama’s Geography
Alabama is a geographically diverse state, a fact seen while
traveling from the mountains of the north to the coastal areas
of the south. Numerous cities dot the landscape, adding to
the geographic variety. Daily life in Alabama is affected
by its geographical features, both natural and manufactured
developments.
Alabama has a population of nearly 4.5
million, mostly centered around its cities. Montgomery, the
capital, is the center of political activity in Alabama. Birmingham
is Alabama’s industrial center and sits near large coal
fields. Birmingham’s thriving steel industry has helped
the city become a big player in the automobile industry. Less
urban parts of the state are home to agricultural and mining
operations.
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Alabama Map
[pickup “Cities and Major Roads” from pg. AL38,
The American Journey, Reconstruction to the Present, Alabama
Edition, c. 2005]
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Alabama Counties
Alabama is divided into 67 counties. These counties were organized
over many years, beginning even before Alabama was a state.
Washington County was created on June 4, 1800. Alabama became
a state in 1819, but many counties were not established until
many years later. Houston County was the last to be organized,
on February 9, 1903.
For a complete list of the 67 counties
of Alabama, go to the website www.archives.state.al.us/counties.html
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Alabama’s Natural Resources
Alabama is rich with many natural resources. For example,
waterpower has been very important to the economy of Alabama.
The state has converted energy from some of its waterways
into hydroelectric power. In the northern part of the state,
the Tennessee Valley Authority has used hydroelectric power
from the Tennessee River to convert agricultural lands to
industrial use. As industry has grown in this area, the demand
for resources has put a greater emphasis on environmental
protection of those very resources. Alabama’s waterways
also act as a transportation system. For example, the Tennessee-Tombigbee
Waterway is used to transport Appalachian coal and agricultural
products through Alabama.
Other resources include coal and
forests. Numerous coal fields have contributed to Alabama’s
economy. It was these coal fields that led to the establishment
of the steel mills around Birmingham. Commercial forests in
northern Alabama produce wood for lumber and paper.
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