Central Alabama facts for kids
Central Alabama is a special region in the state of Alabama. It's known for its interesting mix of mountains, rivers, and flat lands. Sometimes, people group it with North Alabama because both areas have mountains, but Central Alabama has its own unique features.
This region is home to parts of the Appalachian Mountains, which include long, low ridges like Red Mountain and Shades Mountain. These mountains create a beautiful backdrop for cities such as Birmingham, Gadsden, and Anniston. In the eastern part of Central Alabama, near Anniston, you'll find the steepest and tallest mountains, including Coldwater Mountain and Mount Cheaha. The Coosa River flows through, separating the eastern side from the central area where Birmingham is located.
To the west, Central Alabama becomes much flatter. This area has rich, dark soil and is known as the Black Belt. The Black Warrior River and its smaller streams help make this land fertile. This river also acts like a natural border between the western and central parts of the region. The central part of Central Alabama changes from rugged mountains in the east to flat areas in the west. Many valleys are found here, including the busy Jones Valley and Shades Valley. Because the central part has more rugged land, it can sometimes have more floods, especially when lots of buildings and roads cover the ground, making it harder for water to soak in.
Many rivers and streams wind through Central Alabama. The main ones include the Black Warrior, Cahaba, and Coosa Rivers. Other important waterways are Choccolocco Creek, Shades Creek, and the Little Cahaba River.
Central Alabama is also rich in natural resources. It has large amounts of iron ore, limestone, and coal. Finding these three minerals close together was a big reason why industries grew so quickly in the Birmingham District after the American Civil War.
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Economy
The economy of Central Alabama is quite varied. It ranges from the busy, diverse businesses in Greater Birmingham to the college town of Tuscaloosa, and the industrial centers of Anniston and Gadsden.
Greater Birmingham's Economy
The Greater Birmingham area is the biggest economic hub in Central Alabama. It has a wide range of businesses and industries. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a huge employer here, with about 20,000 people working for it. UAB also has one of the largest medical centers in the Southeast. Many major companies, like Alabama Power and Regions Financial Corporation, have their main offices in Birmingham. Even though the Mercedes-Benz and Honda car factories aren't right in Birmingham's main counties, they still play a big part in the area's economy.
Tuscaloosa's Economy
Tuscaloosa is a major shopping center for several counties in Alabama and even parts of Mississippi. It's mostly known as a university town. The city is home to the main campus of the University of Alabama, along with Stillman College and Shelton State Community College. Other important parts of Tuscaloosa's economy include government jobs, healthcare, and manufacturing. The largest industrial employer is the Mercedes-Benz car factory, located near Vance.
Anniston and Gadsden's Economy
Anniston and Gadsden both have strong industrial economies. Gadsden, being a river town, has also developed a tourism industry. It hosts many riverfront festivals throughout the year, which helps boost its economy. Anniston faced challenges in the 1990s when Fort McClellan and many iron factories closed. However, it has since focused more on military production at the Anniston Army Depot, with several government contracts helping its economy.
Important cities
