Alabama was poverty-stricken until World War II but slowly turned into an emerging economic power. The state was home to many Native American tribes like the Alabama (or Alibamu), the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Koasati and Mobile. English, Irish and German communities form a sizeable number of the population.

One of the primary attractions of the state is the USS Alabama, which is permanently moored in Mobile Bay since 1965 and is now a museum ship alongside the USS Drum submarine. In Birmingham, one can spot the 17 m tall Vulcan Statue (atop Red Mountain) which is the largest cast iron statue in the world. Also, in Birmingham is the historic Alabama Theatre which displays a Wurlitzer theatre organ. Structures of significant interest include the Old State Bank (a 150-year-old Greek-revival-styled building) at Decatur and the McEntire House (which was used as headquarters to the Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War).

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival (at Montgomery’s Carolyn Blount Theatre) is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Other events of interest include the Mardi Gras at Mobile (the oldest traditional Carnival celebrations in the US, dating back to 1703), the Southern Heritage Festival in early August and the Spirit of America Festival (held on Independence day in Decatur).