Have you ever wondered to yourself, "What is Mobile, Alabama known for?" Well, it's known for many different things. Mobile is a wonderful Alabama city that's filled with great history and amazing attractions, including several state-of-the-art museums that people from near and far come to visit. Mobile is also Alabama's only saltwater port. Even though you might already be familiar with these fun facts about Mobile, Alabama, there are several others that just might surprise you, including the 12 listed below.

1. In 1703, Mobile was home to the first Mardi Gras celebration in the New World. This was long before Mardi Gras was celebrated in New Orleans.

2. Before switching to MoonPies in the 1970s, Mobilians used to throw boxes of Cracker Jack from their floats during the Mardi Gras parade.

3. Mobile was first settled in 1702, which was 117 years before Alabama became a state.

4. In 2006, one of the first ever videos to go viral on YouTube was shot in Mobile, Alabama. It was the newscast that featured the sighting of the Crichton Leprechaun.

5. Offering many things to see and do, Mobile, Alabama is one of the best places to live in the United States.

6. In 1963, Alabama schoolchildren were able to raise enough money to have the historic USS Alabama (BB-60) moved from Seattle, Washington to Mobile, Alabama.

7. Mobile, Alabama receives more rain than Seattle, Washington. Who would've thought?

8. Mobile's famous Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception took approximately 15 years to build.

9. The red fire ant was first introduced to the United States during the 1930s, through the Port of Mobile.

10. Surprisingly, the West Indies Salad was invented in Mobile, Alabama and not in the West Indies. It's a definite must-try if you haven't already.

11. The Mobile Press-Register was founded in 1813 and is Alabama's oldest active newspaper.

12. Mobile has a variety of interesting nicknames, including "The Port City," "The Azalea City," "The City of Six Flags," and "The Gateway to the Gulf."

Did any of these facts about Mobile, Alabama surprise you? What are some other Mobile, Alabama facts that many people might not already be familiar with? For a list of other fun facts about Alabama that might surprise you, be sure to check out our previous article outlining more little-known facts about Alabama.

To learn more about the Crichton Leprechaun, be sure to take a look at the following YouTube video: