

| Flights to Birmingham | |
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Situated in the Southern US state of Alabama, Birmingham is the largest city in the state and has a north central location. Named after the industrial town in the Midlands of the United Kingdom, like its namesake Birmingham also grew originally as an industrial town with steel and iron being the main industries. The economy has diversified now though, and Birmingham has a variety of attractions for tourists to enjoy.
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Incorporated in 1871, Birmingham, Alabama started life as an industrial town concentrating on the production of iron and steel. The city’s industrial growth was so marked that it adopted the nickname ‘Pittsburgh of the South’, and though the economy has now diversified the industrial roots are still evident throughout the city. Birmingham has had a varied history though and for many people it is best remembered for the part it played in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960’s. The Birmingham Civil Rights District is a popular tourist attraction and reminder of what happened during this important time in the history of the United States.
Birmingham Civil Rights District This district in downtown Birmingham was designated in recognition of the part the city played in the movement. Things to see include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute which shows the struggles black Americans had to live through. Kelly Ingram Park was a popular place for protests though unfortunately these often turned violent when the police showed up with fire hoses and more. Sculptures in the park serve as a reminder of these frequent events. A visit to the 16th Street Baptist Church is also a sombre reminder as it was here that a bombing took place in 1963. 4 girls died and 22 others were injured. After these reminders of what went on in the 1960’s the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame makes an interesting and light hearted visit within the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark Visitors who are interested in the earlier history of Birmingham can find out about the industrial side of the city at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. In operation between 1882 and 1971 the Sloss Blast Furnaces were used to produce pig iron. Because of the important role it played in Birmingham’s history it was decided that the furnaces would be preserved for the public so you can now visit the museum and interpretive centre to find out more. Other Popular Birmingham Attractions A variety of other attractions can be found in Birmingham too, including several museums, an antebellum home and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The museums include the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Southern Museum of Flight. The Vulcan Statue and Museum is popular for the great views over the city, and the Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens show visitors what a Southern home was like in the mid 1850’s. |