Alabama Basics Alabama Geography Alabama History Alabama People Alabama Places Alabama Nature USA Alabama Miscellany Carole by Marsh MMyy FFiirrsstt PPoocckkeett GGuuiiddee BByy CCaarroollee MMaarrsshh USA The Carole Marsh Kathy Zimmer Cranston Davenport Bob Longmeyer Terry Briggs Lisa Stanley Chad Beard Pat Newman Antoinette Miller Cecil Anderson Billie Walburn Victoria DeJoy Steven Saint-Laurent Jackie Clayton Al Fortunatti Jill Sanders Pam Dufresne Shery Kearney Published byGALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL www.alabamaexperience.com 800-536-2GET (cid:129) www.gallopade.com ©2001 Carole Marsh (cid:129) First Edition (cid:129) All Rights Reserved. ©2011 Ebook Edition Character Illustrations by Lucyna A. M. Green. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. The Alabama Experience logo is a trademark of Carole Marsh and Gallopade International, Inc. A free catalog of The Alabama Experience Products is available by calling 800-536-2GET, or by visiting our website at www.alabamaexperience.com. Gallopade is proud Other Alabama to be a member of Experience Products these educational organizations and (cid:129) The Alabama Experience! associations: (cid:129) The BIG Alabama Reproducible Activity Book (cid:129) The Alabama Coloring Book (cid:129) My First Book About Alabama! (cid:129) Alabama “Jography”: A Fun Run Through Our State (cid:129) Alabama Jeopardy!: Answers and Questions About Our State (cid:129) The Alabama Experience! Sticker Pack (cid:129) The Alabama Experience! Poster/Map (cid:129) Discover Alabama CD-ROM (cid:129) Alabama “Geo” Bingo Game (cid:129) Alabama “Histo” Bingo Game A Word From the Author... (okay, a few words)... Hi! Here’s your own handy pocket guide about the great state of Alabama! It really will fit in a pocket—I tested it. And it really will be useful when you want to know a fact you forgot, to bone up for a test, or when your teacher says, “I Alabama wonder . . .” and you have the answer— Basics instantly! Wow, I’m impressed! Alabama Get smart, have fun! Geography Carole Marsh Alabama Alabama Basics explores your state’s History symbols and their special meanings! Alabama Geography digs up the what’s Alabama where in your state! People Alabama History is like traveling through time to some of your state’s great moments! Alabama Places Alabama People introduces you to famous personalities and your next-door neighbors! Alabama Places shows you where you might Alabama enjoy your next family vacation! Nature Alabama Nature - no preservatives here, just what Mother Nature gave to Alabama! Alabama Miscellany All the real fun stuff that we just HAD to save for its own section! 3 State Name WWhhoo NNaammeedd YYoouu?? Alabama’s official state name is... AAllaabbaammaa State Name OFFICIAL: appointed, authorized, or approved Word by a government or organization Definition Statehood: December 14, 1819 Alabama will be Alabama was the 22nd on a state- commemorative state to join the Union. quarter starting in the year 2003. Look for it in cash registers Coccinella everywhere! noemnotatais my name (that’s Latin for ladybug)! What’s YOURS? 4 State Name Origin WW hhaatt’’ss IInn AA NNaammee ?? State Alabama got its name from a Name Origin Creek tribe, the Alibamu, that once lived in the area. Alabama means “I clear the thicket” and refers to the tribe’s method of clearing land to plant crops. Many of Alabama’s names, such as Chattahoochee and Cheaha, reflect its Native American heritage. 5 State Nicknames WWHHOO AArree YYoouu CCaalllliinngg NNaammeess?? Heart Of Dixie State Nicknames Alabama is not the only name by which the state is recognized. Like many other states, Alabama has some nicknames, official or unofficial! o n State t t o C e l l o w hammerSt Y at e A great nickname Alabama is for a great state. located near the center of the southeastern United States, near the Heart of Dixie. 6 State Capital/Capitol SSttaattee CCaappiittaall:: Montgomery State Capital/ Capitol CCaappiittaall ooff AAllaabbaammaa SSiinnccee 11884466 Huntsville, Cahaba, and Tuscaloosa served as capitals of Alabama from 1819 until 1846 when Montgomery became the permanent state capital! Montgomery is known as the “Capital of the CAPITAL: a town or city Confederacy.” that is the official seat It’s also known as Word the “birthplace of Definition of government the civil rights CAPITOL: the building in movement” which was “born” in which the government the 1960s. officials meet 7 State Government Who’s in Charge Here? Alabama’s GOVERNMENT has three branches: EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE JUDICIAL State Government SUPREME COURT A governor, TWO HOUSES: (9 members) lieutenant Court of Civil governor, secretary The Senate Appeals of state, state (35 members) Court of Criminal treasurer, attorney Appeals general, auditor, House of Circuit Courts and commissioner Representatives District Courts of Agriculture and (105 members) Probate Courts Industries Municipal Courts Alabama’s state constitution is very long—more than 175,000 words. In fact, it may be When you are one of 18 and register according to the Alabama laws, longest you can vote! So please do! constitutions Your vote in the world! counts! 8