Alabama Local Business Directory

Often referred to as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama is a coastal state that borders the Gulf of Mexico to the south. The close proximity to the water creates a warm, humid climate for this southern state. Alabama derives its name from its first inhabitants, the Alabama tribe that resided in the area and shared their territory with Choctaw, Cherokee and Creek Indians before the first European settlers arrived in 1702. Agriculture has always been a major source of income for Alabama residents; until World War II, Alabama's economy was primarily supported by large cotton plantations and other farming operations.

Today, Alabama enjoys a diverse manufacturing and service industry base that supports its economy and provides jobs for many residents. Auto manufacturing is especially important to Alabama's economy; Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz all maintain plants in the state that provide thousands of jobs for residents. As the proud home of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide football team, Alabama attracts many tourists each year for sporting events, music festivals and other cultural activities. The annual W. C. Handy Music Festival is held in Florence, Alabama, and is a week-long celebration of the musician known as the Father of the Blues.

The largest cities in Alabama are Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile; however, more than half of Alabama's land area is undeveloped forest. This is due in part to the rough and rocky terrain that surrounds the Appalachian Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. This area is a popular destination for tourists due to its unspoiled natural beauty and the native wildlife that flourish in the waterways and mountains of northern Alabama.