The state of Alabama was named
after the river. The Alabama River was named by early European explorers after
the Indian tribe that lived in the territory and first appeared in 1540 spelled
as "Alibamu", "Alibamo" and even "Limamu" in the
journals of the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto (c.1500-1542).
The origin of the name Alabama is
thought to come from a combination of two Choctaw words; Alba and Amo. In Choctaw,
"Alba" means vegetation, herbs, plants and "Amo" means gatherer
or picker. "Vegetation gatherers" would be an apt description for the
Alabama Indians who cleared much land for agricultural purposes.
NICKNAMES:
The Heart of Dixie: Alabama has no official state nickname, but "The Heart
of Dixie" is prevelant and reflects the central role that Alabama played
in the history of the South. A major Cotton State, Alabama also became a leading
proponent of secession in the days leading up to the Civil War. The Constitution
of the Confederacy was drawn up in Montgomery and Jefferson Davis took his oath
of office in Montgomery, which served as the first Confederate Capital.
The Yellowhammer State: This nickname
originated during the Civil War. A couple of suggestions as to the origination
of the nickname have been presented. One suggestion states that the name was inspired
by the gray uniforms of Confederate soldiers that had a yellow tinge to them because
they were "home-dyed." Another states that a company of soldiers paraded
in uniforms that were trimmed with yellow cloth. Either way, the Alabama soldiers
reminded people of Yellowhammers, birds with yellow patches under their wings.
The Yellowhammer is Alabama's State Bird.
The Cotton Plantation State: Cotton
production in Alabama was a major influence in the growth and culture of the state.
In fact, Alabama'a farm economy was ruled by "King Cotton" at one time.
When crops were poor or prices were down, Alabama farmers suffered. Conversely,
when prices were up, Alabama's farmer prospered. In the early 1900s, Alabama farmers
suffered extensively due to massive cotton crop failures.
The Cotton State: For reasons given
above, Alabama was called the Cotton State. While many southern states were referred
to as Cotton Plantation States, Alabama was singled out as THE Cotton State because
of its central location in the Cotton Belt. Cotton is Alabama's leading crop and
Alabama is considered a leading cotton producer.
The Lizard State: An abundance of
lizards along Alabama streams, in early times, led to this nickname.
THE CITIZENS:
People who live in Alabama or who come from Alabama are called Alabamans or Alabamians.
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