About: Alabama
The state capital of Alabama is Montgomery. Alabama is known as the "Yellowhammer State," in honor of the state bird, and has been unofficially nicknamed the "Heart of Dixie." After the Civil War, like many Southern states, the state suffered economically because of its continued dependence on agriculture. However, after WWII Alabama experienced economic growth as its economy transitioned away from agriculture towards a more diverse economy including paper, chemicals, rubber and plastics, apparel and textiles, primary metals, and automobile manufacturing. Famous natives and residents have included entertainer Nat "King" Cole, educator Helen Keller, writer Harper Lee, baseball player Willie Mays, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and singer-songwriter Hank Williams.
Population: 4447100
Governor: Robert Bentley
Largest cities: Birmingham
State Bird: Northern Flicker