Alabama History
Before Europeans began coming to Alabama, the land was inhabited by the Creek, Choctaw, Cherokee, Alabamas and Chickasaw Indian nations. Then, in 1519, Alvarez de Pinada of Spain sailed in the Mobile Bay. However, it was not until 1540 that De Soto and his troops entered the interior of Alabama. They eventually enslaved the Indians and then defeated them, taking away their land and burning their villages. However, it was not until 1702 that the French founded Fort Louis on the banks of the Mobile River. For several years, there was conflict between Europe and the land areas that included Alabama. Then in 1783, the northern region of Alabama became part of America, and in 1795, the US acquired all but the gulf region. After a number of battles with Spain, as well as the Indians, the US ultimately prevailed and, in 1814, attained the rest of the land. In 1819, Alabama became the twenty-second state in the Union.
Alabama has been the site of historic battles, scientific and technological advances, civil rights victories and other ground breaking events. It is the birthplaces of baseball greats Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, musician Nat King Cole, Country western singer Hank Williams, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and historic figures like Helen Keller and Booker T. Washington. Alabama is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the first White House of the Confederacy, and many other national historic sites and landmarks.
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