Birmingham: The Economic Heart of Alabama

Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama in the South of the United States of America. With more than 1.1 million people in the metropolitan area, Birmingham is the cultural and economic heart of Alabama.

History
The City of Birmingham is relatively young. Founded in 1871 at the crossing of two railroad lines, it soon became the South's industrial center. Named for England's giant industrial city, Birmingham became a commercial hub as well.

"The Magic City" became known as a thriving and quickly growing community in what had once been a "poor, insignificant Southern village."

The Civil Rights era of the 1960s left lasting impressions of racial conflict, police dogs and fire hoses turned on nonviolent protesters, and the bombing of homes and churches. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and places of reflections such as Kelly Ingram Park symbolize the healing process from within and present a much different picture of a transformed city.

Today, Birmingham is a banking and medical center. The University of Alabama at Birmingham and associated hospitals are nationally renowned for their medical programs, research, and services.

Stay safe
Common sense rules should apply for most of the city center, i.e. travel in groups - especially late at night, don't look like a tourist, avoid dark alleyways, etc.

However, it should be noted that Birmingham's historic Five Points South area is one of the most popular night/weekend spots. The areas wonderful restaurants, pubs, and dance clubs are among a few of the attractions you'll find there.