Throughout the years, many well-known events have taken place in Alabama. From extreme natural disasters to the death of a legendary football icon, it’s hard to forget these pivotal moments once you learn all about them. Listed below are 11 moments everyone born in Alabama over the last 80 years should always remember. How many of them are you familiar with?
1. In 1941, training for the Tuskegee Airmen began. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military pilots who fought in World War II.
2. In 1954, Ann Hodges of Oak Grove, Alabama became the only confirmed person to be struck by a meteorite. This meteorite is currently on display at the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Tuscaloosa.
3. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus. This became one of the most pivotal moments of the civil rights movement.
4. In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery marches took place. The purpose of these marches was for African Americans to demonstrate their constitutional right to vote.
5. In 1967, Lurleen Burns Wallace became the first female governor of Alabama. She was the wife of George Wallace, former governor of Alabama who served four terms.
6. On February 16, 1968, the world's first 911 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama. The red rotary telephone is currently on display at Haleyville City Hall.
7. In 1974, Alabama's very own Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run while playing for the Atlanta Braves. This unforgettable moment broke Babe Ruth's longstanding record.
8. In 1983, Paul "Bear" Bryant, the University of Alabama football coach, suddenly died of a heart attack. This sent shock waves through the college football community.
9. In 1995, Miss Alabama, Heather Whitestone, became the first Miss America with a disability. She had lost most of her hearing by the age of 18 months.
10. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused major damage along Alabama's Gulf Coast. This Category 5 hurricane was one of the worst hurricanes to ever hit the United States.
11. In April 2011, the 2011 Super Outbreak took place. This was one of the largest and deadliest tornado outbreaks ever recorded. Claiming more than 200 lives, it's also the most devastating natural disaster in Alabama's history.
Do you remember any of these moments? If so, please let us know which ones in the comments below. Also, share with us some other moments everyone born in Alabama will always remember.
