About
Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States, in North America. It is best known for its central place in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, a chapter of American history that continues to draw visitors who want to understand how that struggle unfolded and what it meant for the nation.
The state is also known by several nicknames, including the Heart of Dixie and the Yellowhammer State, and its postal abbreviation is AL. Montgomery serves as the state capital, while Birmingham is the largest city. Each offers a different side of the state, and the two make a useful pair for a trip focused on history and the wider region.
What a visit offers
- Historic sites connected to the Civil Rights Movement, which give the state its most widely recognised significance.
- Montgomery, the capital, as a base for exploring the state's government and history.
- Birmingham, the largest city, with its urban life and surrounding area.
- The character of the Deep South, with its landscapes, towns and regional culture.
Planning the trip
Alabama suits travellers who want to combine a focused history trip with a wider journey through the southeast. Because the state spans a range of towns and cities, it rewards a route rather than a single stop. Visitors should check the current opening arrangements of individual sites and the state's tourism resources before setting out, as these details change and are not covered here.